Bitsmedia pours Espresso content into Muslim-centric streamer Qalbox

Pirates of the Mediterranean uses CGI, re-enactments and archive

Singapore-based Bitsmedia has picked up over 20 hours of content from UK-based distributor Espresso for its soon-to-launch SVoD service celebrating Muslim identities and cultures.

Qalbox will launch in October with titles including The Story of… Ramadan (1×60′), Hidden Algeria (3×50′) and Pirates of the Mediterranean (4×45′).

The latter explores the drama on the high seas when the Great Powers and the Ottomans fought to establish dominance in the Mediterranean, using CGI, re-enactments, expert insights and archive materials.

Qalbox is set to be a global SVoD service providing Muslim lifestyle content and celebrating Muslim identities and cultures with comprehensive, curated and diverse Muslim-centric content.

Also included in the deal with Espresso is the documentary Beirut Blast: The Story of Warehouse 12 (1×90′), which features 30 interviews and footage of the tragic events of August 4, 2020 when a large amount of ammonium nitrate stored at the port of Beirut exploded, causing at least 218 deaths.

Bitsmedia is the developer and publisher behind the lifestyle app Muslim Pro, which has amassed more than 120 million users globally and has features that make it easier to practice the daily rituals prescribed in Islam.

“As a fresh, new streaming service serving Muslims around the world, we are always seeking the best distribution and production partners to provide compelling content for our viewers,” said Fara Abdullah, co-CEO of Bitsmedia.