Manga epic “The Journey”, which was co-produced with Japan, has received a certificate of release and classification from the General Commission for Audiovisual Media (GCAM).

The film was produced by Saudi Arabia’s Manga Productions, a Misk Foundation subsidiary, and Japan’s Toei Animatio.

The film will be the first release to benefit from new rules on ticket sales designed to help Saudi film makers.

Directed by renowned Shizuno Kobun, “The Journey” was shot using anime-style animation and took two-and-a-half years to make.

Set about 1,500 years ago, the film presents the ancient civilizations in the Arabian Peninsula and Middle East. It follows the story of Aws and the people of Makkah who are forced to take up arms to liberate themselves and their city from enslavement by a ruthless general.