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Riz Ahmed to executive produce Imran J. Khan’s ‘Mustache’

The project marks the feature directorial and screenwriting debut of Imran J. Khan.

Riz Ahmed to executive produce Imran J. Khan’s ‘Mustache’

Riz Ahmed and his production banner Left Handed Films have onboarded the 2023 SXSW Audience Award winner Mustache.

The project marks the feature directorial and screenwriting debut of Imran J. Khan.


In a statement to Deadline, Ahmed and Left-Handed Films’ Allie Moore explained that when they first connected with Khan through the Pillars Artist Fellowship, they were “immediately blown away. Imran is the real deal. The visual flair, the quirky humour, and the heart-melting emotion of his vision were instantly clear. All of these superpowers are on display in his debut feature Mustache, and we are thrilled to come on board.”

The duo called Khan’s first feature “the film we all need right now,” as “a classic teen film from a point of view we never see.”

“It’s a story that brilliantly transports us back to those awkward, hilarious, and painful moments of our own that made us who we are. This is an undeniable crowd-pleaser from an irresistible and unique new voice. We can’t wait for more people to see it,” they added.

Khan further added, “It’s phenomenal to see all the work that Left Handed Films has done to support up-and-coming artists and I’m so grateful to Riz Ahmed for partnering with us on Mustache. We can’t wait to continue to work with Riz and Allie Moore to bring this special film to audiences everywhere.”

In addition to Ahmed and Moore, The Bear creator Christopher Storer, as well as Tyson Bidner and Josh Senior are also attached as executive producers.

Christina Won and Jessica Sittig are producing, with Parker Mays co-producing alongside Cooper Wehde of American Light & Fixture.

Stay tuned to this space for more updates and reveals from the world of entertainment. ‘

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How Southeast Asian storytelling became one of Netflix’s fastest-growing global pillars

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  • Local jobs, training and tourism are increasing as productions expand across the region.

Last year, something shifted in what the world watched. Global viewership of Southeast Asian content on Netflix grew by nearly 50%, and this isn't just a corporate milestone; it’s a signal. Stories from Jakarta, Bangkok, and Manila are no longer regional curiosities. They are now part of the global mainstream.

The numbers tell a clear story. Over 100 Southeast Asian titles have now entered Netflix’s Global Top 10 lists. More than 40 of those broke through in 2024 alone. This surge is part of a bigger boom in the region’s own backyard. The total premium video-on-demand market in Southeast Asia saw viewership hit 440 billion minutes in 2024, with revenues up 14% to £1.44 billion (₹15,300 crore). Netflix commands over half of that viewership and 42% of the revenue. They have a clear lead, but the entire market is rising.

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