Welcome to the September edition of the Orchard Clips newsletter.
This month, we feature a rare glimpse of Makkah in the 1930s, uncovered during our Saudi National Day preparations. Elsewhere, we highlight our latest blog post on authentic visual storytelling across the Middle East, and we shine a spotlight on our valued partner, TRIARC.
We are always excited to share our latest footage with you, as well as deep dives within our archives. If you would like to discuss using our footage in your next project, or make use of our free research service, you can contact us for more details.
Read on to find out more…
Makkah in the 1930s
Whilst preparing to mark Saudi National Day on September 23, the Orchard Clips content and research team uncovered some fabulous archival footage of Makkah in the 1930s. These clips offer a fascinating pre-modern view of the city, capturing the sacred rituals of the Hajj, as well as the day to day experiences of pilgrims to the Holy City. They provide a striking contrast to today’s skyline and serve as a reminder of the Kingdom’s rich heritage. View the Makkah 1930s Collection.
Partner Spotlight: TRIARC
Based in Lebanon, TRIARC brings together some of the finest filmmakers from across West Asia. Their contemporary stock footage captures the essence of the region, spanning urban and modern development, culture and heritage, and the natural world. Each clip is carefully curated by the Orchard Clips team to ensure quality and relevance.
Over 4,000 TRIARC clips are available on the Orchard Clips website, with more being added. The collection covers Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
TRIARC’s footage is available for immediate licensing and is ideal for documentaries, non-factual television, feature films, education, advertising, social media, and other creative projects. Explore TRIARC.
Exploring Authentic Middle East Footage
Orchard Clips has launched a blog. The aim is to share our knowledge, explore interesting and timely subjects, and tell anecdotes from the decades of experience within the Orchard Clips team.
In our first blog post, Head of Sales, Greg Aslangul explores what makes footage truly authentic. From capturing everyday life in Beirut to documenting transformation in Riyadh, this article is a guide for producers seeking visuals that go beyond the generic and tell real stories. Read the blog.


