A remake of The Message, Moustapha Akkad’s controversial 1975 film, which describes the life and times of the Prophet Muhammad, is set to become the first Arabic title to get a theatrical release in Saudi Arabia.
The historical epic was initially banned in Arab territories, encountering opposition from authorities and forcing the crew to move to Morocco and to re-create model cities of Mecca and Medina for the shoot. During its release, it faced heavy backlash and theatrical banning in most Middle Eastern territories.
But the newly restored version of the film, which received its world premiere at the Dubai International Film Festival, is now due to travel across the region. This is in time for the Eid holidays on June 14, with Trancas International and local distributors Front Row Filmed Entertainment having signed a deal.
“My father Moustapha didn’t have the chance to see [The Message’s cinema release] fulfilled in his lifetime, but I know he would have been very proud,” said Akkad. “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.”
