Australian director Phillip Noyce shoots feature film for Saudi Arabia celebrating ‘heroism of security men in combating drugs’

The Guardian reports that Australian filmmaker Phillip Noyce is directing a feature film titled *The Watchful Eyes* financed by the Saudi regime, depicting narcotics officers as heroes in combating drugs—a narrative critics argue obscures the country's execution of 243 people for drug offences in the previous year. The reporting is sourced from named human rights researchers (Joey Shea of Human Rights Watch, Jeed Basyouni of Reprieve), direct quotes from Noyce, and Saudi officials, with specific details about the film's production timeline, financing through Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, and the involvement of royal adviser Turki al-Sheikh. The article contextualizes this within Saudi Arabia's broader "culture-washing" strategy—using entertainment investments (LIV Golf, BBC partnerships) to rehabilitate its international image—a framing supported by expert analysis from established human rights organizations. Watch for the film's release later in 2026 and any international criticism or boycotts that may follow theatrical distribution, as well as how major streaming platforms respond to acquisition requests.