Jazan, in the far southwest of Saudi Arabia, is a region of Red Sea coast, green mountains and islands. Few crews have filmed it. We travelled there for Aperture, our documentary with British photographer Richard Wilding (watch the trailer). Here is what we learned from filming in Jazan and the Farasan Islands.
The Farasan Islands lie about 40 kilometres off the coast, and a public ferry runs from Jazan port. The water is clear and turquoise, with coral reefs, mangroves and white beaches. The islands are also a protected area, home to the Farasan gazelle and to migrating birds. From the air, the colours are hard to beat.
On land, Farasan has old coral-stone houses from its pearl trading days, such as the carved Rifai House. Every April, the islanders gather for the Hareed festival. Shoals of parrotfish arrive at the shore, and the whole community fishes together. For a camera crew, it is a rare event to capture.
However, filming in Jazan is not only about the sea. Inland, the Faifa mountains rise steeply behind the coast, with stone houses and terraced farms. Farmers there grow Khawlani coffee, a tradition UNESCO recognised as intangible heritage in 2022. The region is also famous for its mangoes.
The best months for filming in Jazan are November to March, when the heat and humidity drop. Ferry times shape your island days, so plan them early. As anywhere in the Kingdom, you need a filming permit and a separate drone permit. Always ask before filming people.
“Sea, islands and mountains, all in one region.”
Stock Stop
Location filming is one of the ways Stock Stop supports productions across Saudi Arabia, from scouting to crew and kit. With offices in London and Riyadh, we can support your own crew or run the whole shoot. If you are planning a shoot in Jeddah, we would be glad to talk.
