Jinn (TV series)


Jinn is a Jordanian Arabic-language supernatural drama web television series, created and executive produced by Mir-Jean Bou Chaaya, Elan Dassani and Rajeev Dassani alongside Christian Bou Chaaya and Lucien Bou Chaaya. The series premiered on Netflix on June 13, 2019. The series stars Salma Malhas, Hamzeh Okab, Sultan Alkhail, Aysha Shahaltough, Zaid Zoubi, Yasser Al Hadi, Mohammad Nizar, Mohammad Hindieh and Karam Tabbaa.
Jinn became controversial in Jordan due to what is perceived as immoral content, with some government agencies threatening censorship. The show was also panned by Middle East Eye as "badly scripted, poorly acted and sloppily directed", while Thrillist called it "generic," "unrealistic," and "confusing."

Premise

Jinn follows the story of a group of teenagers, who study in a private school in Amman. They go on a field trip to Petra, which is known as home to ancient demons and strange phenomena. The group's lives are disrupted when a spiritual figure appears, accidentally summoned by Mira. They must try and stop Jinn from destroying the world.

Cast and characters

Production

Development

On February 26, 2018, it was announced that Netflix had given a series order to Jinn, a new television series, directed by Mir-Jean Bou Chaaya, and executive produced by Elan and Rajeev Dassani. The series order was reportedly for a first season of five episodes.
On August 13, 2018, it was announced that in addition to serving as director, Mir-Jean Bou Chaaya would also act as an executive producer. Additionally, it was further reported that writers would include Elan and Rajeev Dassani and Amin Matalqa. Elan was expected to serve as head writer while Matalqa was slated to direct two episodes. Production companies involved with the series set to consist of Kabreet Productions and Master Key Productions. On April 18, 2019, it was announced that the series is scheduled to premiere on June 13, 2019.

Casting

Alongside the start of production announcement, it was confirmed that the series would star Salma Malhas, Hamzeh Okab, Sultan Alkhail, Aysha Shahaltough, Yasser Al Hadi, and Ban Halaweh.

Filming

Principal photography began on August 13, 2018 in Amman, Jordan. The shoot was scheduled to last over the course of ten weeks with filming locations including Petra, Wadi Rum as well as a dozen locations in Amman.

Controversy

The series generated controversy for the so-called scenes that feature “moral degradation”. These include two instances where Malhas's character kissed two different men in separate scenes. Another complaint involved the series's rough language. It was reported that Jordan's top prosecutor asked the Ministry of Interior to stop the show's broadcast.