STARZPLAY, the leading subscription video on demand (SVOD) service in the MENA region, presents its original series, the crime drama Baghdad Central, available exclusively on the platform from 12 February 2020.

The six-part mini-series, already garnering global acclaim from movie critics across the world, is set amidst the chaos of American-occupied Baghdad in 2003.

The show follows Iraqi ex-policeman Muhsin al-Khafaji (Waleed Zuaiter) who has lost everything and is combating day by day to keep himself and his sick daughter, Mrouj (July Namir;), safe. But when he learns that his estranged elder daughter Sawsan (Leem Lubany) is missing Khafaji is pressured into a desperate search to find her. He soon finds himself up against her enigmatic university tutor, Professor Zubeida Rashid (Clara Khoury) and discovers that Sawsan and her two close friends Sanaa (Nora El Koussour) and Zahra (Maisa Abd Elhadi;) have been leading a hidden life thats led them into huge danger.

STARZPLAY marked the arrival of the show with a fascinating screening event at Roxy Cinemas, City Walk, Dubai. The event was attended by the shows primary star cast Waleed Zuaiter along with July Namir and executive producer Kate Harwood alongside the STARZPLAY management which includes Maaz Sheikh CEO and Co-Founder and Khaled Benchouche, SVP of Programming and Acquisitions.

Khaled Benchouche, SVP of Programming and Acquisitions at STARZPLAY said: The exclusive telecast of Baghdad Central displays the focus of STARZPLAY, since our inception, to deliver high quality shows that are regionally relevant. The collection certainly sets standards; the direction is outstanding, and the performances are compelling. Appealing to all viewers, especially in the 25 to 40-plus age-group, the intelligently scripted and series shines for its Arab flavour. An actual series that underlines STARZPLAYs focus on delivering world-class homegrown content, Baghdad Central has a place of pride in our portfolio of STARZPLAY Original shows.

Waleed Zuaiter, Corey Stoll, Bertie Carvel, Leem Lubany and July Namir join an international cast for the crime thriller Baghdad Central, written and created by BAFTA-nominated writer Stephen Butchard (The Last Kingdom), produced by Jonathan Curling and based on the novel by Elliott Colla. Fremantle, well-known for creating, producing and distributing some the most loved content in the world, is the international distributor for the series.

Available in 20 countries throughout the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan, with more than 10,000 hours of content which includes premium movies, exclusive and Arabic series, STARZPLAY has additionally secured its place as the number one player in the MENA region.