🤖 Storytelling Gets an AI Upgrade
Meet Flow: AI-powered filmmaking with Google | Streaming in Short – W21
This week, we cover the launch of Google’s new AI video tool Flow, fresh investments into MENA media startups VUZ and Tarjama, and the rise of micro-drama with India’s ReelSaga.
🧠 AI: Google just launched Flow, its new video generation model
👉 Flow is Google latest AI tool designed to create short videos from text prompts. It’s still in early stages, but demo clips already show impressive use cases for creators, media companies, and streaming platforms.
📍 Currently available only in the U.S.
💡 Flow could help streamers create automated trailers, highlights, or even recommend shows using AI-generated previews. I’m sure we’ll see a response from OpenAI and Runway very soon.
💰 FUNDING: VUZ expands with $12M raise, Tarjama secures $15M for AI content localization
👉 VUZ, the immersive video platform known for behind-the-scenes access to red carpets and stadiums, raised $12M to grow in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and expand into Africa, Asia, and the U.S. It also announced a new partnership with Web3 platform Myco.
👉 Tarjama, a UAE-based startup specializing in AI-powered content localization, closed a $15M Series A led by Global Ventures, with support from Wamda, TA Ventures, and others.
💡 From immersive formats to smart localization, MENA media tech ecosystem is clearly gaining traction.
📱 Micro-Drama Spotlight: Reelsaga
What happened?
👉 ReelSaga, a startup focused on micro-dramas, just raised $2.1 million in seed funding.
Their goal? To scale their microdrama platform and become the go-to destination for snackable, story-driven content across across India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East
Why it matters?
Microdrama is booming, especially in Asia. With its TikTok-style vertical format, ReelSaga is built for a young, mobile-native audience that prefers quick, emotional stories over long episodes.
🤓 I’m not sure how an Indian micro-drama App would really take off in MENA. Are they planning to produce local Arabic micro-dramas? Or are they expecting Indian content to resonate with MENA audiences? It could work in a few specific countries, but scaling it across the region would be much more challenging. Same goes for the other micro-drama apps coming from China, localization will be key.
🎮 REALITY: Netflix launches House of Streams
Netflix is blending creator culture with reality TV. In House of Streams, eight content creators move into a villa and compete for a Bitcoin prize ($108K).
Hosted by Nicole Holliday, the show adds an interactive twist for Gen Z viewers.
⚽ SPORTS: FIFA+ now on DAZN
FIFA+ is now available on DAZN, featuring World Cup archives, behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and live matches from 100+ global leagues.
A strong addition to DAZN growing football library, great for both superfans and casual viewers.
📊 DATA: OMDIA vs Dataxis, who’s right?
OMDIA and Dataxis both released their MENA SVOD rankings for Q4 2024, within days of each other. But the numbers tell two very different stories:
Shahid (21%, 4.4m)
Netflix (15%, 2.6m)
STARZPLAY (11%, 2.3m)
Jawwy TV (6%)
Disney+ (6%)
Prime Video (6%)
Shahid (5m)
Netflix (3.7m)
STARZPLAY (1.6m)
WATCH IT (1.2m)
Prime Video (1m)
OSN+ (1m)
What does it show? Measuring the MENA market isn’t easy, and local insights matter more than ever.
🤝 PARTNERSHIP: WATCH IT x iQIYI
Egypt’s WATCH IT and China’s iQIYI signed a new content partnership during an event in Cairo, attended by government reps from both countries.
WATCH IT will now distribute a selection of iQIYI’s premium Chinese content. The deal also opens doors to co-productions between MENA and Asia.
📺 EXPANSION: OSN goes bigger in Iraq
OSN added 37 channels to local Iraqi platform Almanasa, with subscriptions available through Digital Zone, Tomato, Fastpay, Byte Store and other local apps.
Bonus news: OSN+ is now live on PlayStation, good news for gamers looking to watch content from their console.
🎬 CANNES: Rise Studios hits the spotlight with Once Upon a Time in Gaza
Rise Studios co-produced Once Upon a Time in Gaza, directed by Tarzan and Arab Nasser and produced by Rani Massalha. The film premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes and received great reviews:
“A powerful ode to Palestinian resilience” - The National
“Beautifully shot, politically significant” - HuffPost
“A gripping and persuasive thriller” - Filmuforia
It’s a big moment for the region, showcasing not just Gaza’s story, but also how MENA studios are stepping onto the global stage.
🎙️ LONDON: The Podcast Show 2025 brings the audio world together
The Podcast Show was back in London this week with two packed days of talks, masterclasses, and live shows.
Highlights included sessions with Christiane Amanpour, Emily Maitlis, and Apple Podcasts, plus live recordings from shows like The Slumflower Hour and Electoral Dysfunction.
It’s the go-to event for about podcasting, where audio, creators, and monetization models are heading next.
🤖 LOVE DEATH + ROBOTS VOLUME 4 from Tim Miller, David Fincher, Jennifer Miller and Josh Donen (Netflix, 10 episodes): Terrifying creatures, wicked surprises and dark comedy converge in this NSFW anthology of animated stories presented by Tim Miller and David Fincher.
⛲️ Fountain of Youth from Guy Ritchie and James Vanderbilt (Apple TV+): A treasure-hunting mastermind assembles a team for a life-changing adventure. But to be outwit and outrun threats at every turn, he'll need someone even smarter than he is: his estranged sister.
19 years ago, on May 2005, Family Guy returned to TV after being cancelled. Originally debuting in 1999, Family Guy was cancelled twice before fan demand and strong DVD sales brought it back. Its return marked a rare second chance in television, and it paid off. The show went on to become a cornerstone of Fox’s animation lineup, known for its outrageous humor, rapid-fire cutaways, and unapologetic satire.
Thanks for reading, enjoy your weekend! We’ll be back Monday with our MENA insights.
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