Edinburgh-based production company Amygdala Productions has confirmed that principal photography for its debut feature film Blacklisted will begin in September 2026, with filming set to take place in the city. The project marks the company’s first in-house feature and signals growing momentum within Scotland’s independent film sector, as the team develops a sustainable Scottish production model with ambitions for international distribution.
Blacklisted is a psychological thriller currently in pre-production. Set against the neo-noir backdrop of the modern entertainment industry, the film follows a blacklisted Hollywood director seeking commercial redemption in Europe. His future rests on a complex relationship with his lead actress. Tackling tough themes of ambition, identity, objectification, and sacrifice.The production will take place across Edinburgh and brings together a network of established and emerging creatives from across the UK and US.
Zakaria Elbahi, Director of Blacklisted, said:
“This is the film our team at Amygdala Productions has been building toward for a long time, not just creatively, but with what we have set out to say about the modern film industry. We didn’t wait around for permission to make something at this level; we went out and built it with the right people, with a sustainable business model, here in our home, Edinburgh. Blacklisted is a story about hollow realities, objectification, and identity crisis that we see so often in today's world.
We've set out to produce something unique. A film that reflects our diverse backgrounds, what we’ve all felt firsthand, and we want audiences to feel our deep connection with this story. We’re putting our hearts into this, in the hopes that we can contribute to this new wave of filmmakers, that are proving Scottish films can succeed at a high level.
The production brings together an international cast and experienced creative team spanning the UK and US, including LA-based actors Milena Abilova and Je’maya Jackson, alongside Freya O’Horo, an Irish actress, who has worked alongside BAFTA-winning actor Richard Gadd and starred in Ivy, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, and Edinburgh-based performer Ynyra Williams in her feature debut. They are joined by established screen talent including Stephen Corrall (Netflix, BBC, Channel 5) and Daniel Khawar (Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Channel 4).
The project is led by Scottish/Moroccan director Zakaria Elbahi, whose background spans work in independent feature film and AAA video game production. Bringing a unique, cross-disciplinary, and deeply personal approach to directing Blacklisted.
Behind the camera, the film is supported by an experienced production team including producers Kate Szekely, Oliver Rotter, Bethany Jordan-Morel, Neil Hardie and Ema Kravanja, with cinematography by Simon Williamson, who was invited to the prestigious 2025 NFTS Sean Connery Talent Labs, with recent work that has premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, Manchester, and Leeds International Film Festivals.
Simon Williamson, Director of Photography on Blacklisted, said:
“The story we have in front of us with Blacklisted, we wanted the visual aesthetic to tell a story within the story. The look, feel, and tone of the film is a vital part of that story. To engage our audience, I’m looking to create a visual that walks hand in hand with that story.”
Imagery: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1QJLo6Tgf7Ioxs3IE601T2huFnDofJLGS?usp=sharing
Notes to editors:
This press release has been generated and sent by Amygdala Productions.
For more information please contact Bethany Jordan-Morel, +44 7592 611537, management@amygdalaproductions.co.uk
About Blacklisted:
Blacklisted is a psychological thriller film currently in pre-production, with principal photography scheduled for September 2026 in Edinburgh, Scotland. The film is produced by Amygdala Productions and marks the company’s first in-house feature.
About Amygdala Productions:
Amygdala Productions is an Edinburgh-based independent film company focused on developing and producing original, story-driven films. Working across feature film and digital media, the company is committed to building a sustainable production model while supporting emerging talent and creating work with international reach.
