2020/2021 Winners & Shortlists

Write a short summary of what happens in the film

This film captures an epic journey through the Empty Quarter - one of the most inhospitable places. This desert was first crossed on foot, in 1930, by the legendary explorer Sheikh Saleh bin Khalut. It took him 60 days. Nearly 90 years later we would follow in his footsteps, this time with a GMC Sierra, putting the truck to the ultimate test. Our 5-episode mini-series in partnership with MBC Driven and showcases the thrill of this adventure with an authentic narrative. This mammoth expedition, involved 2 GMC Sierras, with 3 renowned off-road specialists from the MBC Driven team and Mubarak bin Kalut, the grandson of Sheikh Saleh bin Khalut who guided them with his old journals. With genuine storytelling, real time thrills and spills, and extreme driving, this journey was a true test for both, the men and the GMC Sierra.

Cultural / Context information for the jury

The Empty Quarter is a massive desert. Located right at the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, it ranks as one of the least explored places on Earth. At more than 255,000 square miles, this desert is a wilderness spread across four countries: Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. In 1930, legendary explorer Sheikh Saleh bin Khalut crossed the unforgiving terrain of the Empty Quarter. It took him 60 days to cross massive dunes, canyons and wadis Till date no automotive brand has dared to attempt this demanding challenge. We were the first.