This Iconic Arabic Film Is Hitting Cinemas In Saudi Arabia For Eid Al-Fitr Weekend
The 1976 biopic depicts the life and times of the Islamic prophet Muhammad
Since opening their first cinema in over 40 years back in April to hosting acclaimed actors Katie Holmes and Idris Elba the following month, it’s been a big year for Saudi Arabia’s entertainment industry. And now, Moustapha Akkad’s iconic 1976 film ‘The Message’ is set to hit the big screen over the Eid al-Fitr weekend.
The biopic, which depicts the life and times of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and stars Anthony Quinn, Irene Papas, Michael Ansara, will air on 14 June.
“This was of utmost importance to us of course, given that the Kingdom is the cradle of Islam and ‘The Message’ is one of the very few mainstream films that portrays the peaceful and tolerant tenets of the religion in an honest way,” says Gianluca Chakra, Managing Director of Front Row Filmed Entertainment. “The Saudi authorities allowed the film to pass and this in turn opened the door to the rest of the region. In the burgeoning landscape of the Saudi cinema market, ‘The Message’ release could be its most important film. As a Gulf distribution company, we feel it is our duty to present ‘The Message’ to Arabic and Islamic audiences and to the world. Front Row is extremely fortunate to be a part of the important history and future of this film.”
A still from the 1976 movie ‘The Message’
“My father Moustapha didn’t have the chance to see this fulfilled in his lifetime, but I know he would have been very proud,” adds Trancas’ Malek Akkad, Moustapha Akkad’s son. “This is a tribute to him. He wanted to share his love of this culture and the important lessons of Islam and ‘The Message’ to everyone. Now, in a time when the world needs it most, his dream will come alive.”
Watch the trailer below:
Eid Mubarak, Saudi Arabia!