Black Gold is a 2011 historical epic film directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud. It is adapted from the novel "The Great Thirst" by Hans Ruesch. The movie was shot on location in Tunisia and Qatar, and features a star-studded cast, including Antonio Banderas, Tahar Rahim, Mark Strong, Freida Pinto, and Riz Ahmed.
The film tells the story of two young men, Saleeh and Auda, who were adopted by the Emir of Hobeika, Nesib, as a guarantee against invasion. The boys have grown up in a gilded cage and have contrasting personalities. Saleeh is a warrior who longs to return to his father's land, while Auda is a scholar who loves books and seeks knowledge.
Twelve years after their adoption, Nesib is visited by an American oil company executive who tells him that his land is rich in oil and offers him vast riches in return for access to the Yellow Belt. Nesib sees oil as the key to transforming his kingdom into a prosperous and modern state. However, the Yellow Belt is the disputed territory between Hobeika and Salmaah, and the peace agreement forbids either side from claiming it.
Saleeh and Auda become pawns in the battle between the Emirs as Nesib uses his adopted sons to negotiate a deal with Amar to allow him access to the elusive oil. As the stakes get higher and the tensions rise, Saleeh and Auda find themselves caught up in a deadly struggle that threatens to tear their family apart.
The film explores themes of greed, imperialism, and the clash between tradition and modernity as the Arab world undergoes rapid changes brought about by the discovery of oil. The stunning cinematography of the desert landscapes and the powerful performances of the cast make Black Gold a must-watch for fans of epic historical dramas.