'The Message' to dazzle the Riyadh Screens this Eid-ul-Fitr
The Message chronicles the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the birth of Islam
(Web Desk) Saudi Arabia, long known for its ultra-conservative mores, the reformist Muhamaad bin Salman led kingdom has intoduced a wide-ranging programme of social reforms that includes women driving, mixed gender concert gatherings and off course the opening gate of entertainment to the people.
VOX Cinemas in Riyadh: Photo: File
Saudi Arabia has unveiled its first cinema in over 35 years with a private screening of the blockbuster Black Panther but the big news is Saudia to screen the long-praised Oscar Awar nominated Mustafa Akkad’s “The Message” this Eid-ul-Fitr, for the first time after being passed by the country’s censors.
Poster of the cinema marvel, The Message. Photo: File
The cinema epic, “The Message”
The 4K restoration, Arabic Version theatrical trailer of the movie, The Message. Source: Youtube
This movie, chronicles the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the birth of Islam, has undergone extensive restoration and will be screened in 4K at Vox Cinemas Riyadh Park during Eid-Al-Fitr.
The Message. Photo: Screenshot
The Oscar-nominated film was passed by the General Commission for Audiovisual Media (GCAM) at a screening on Thursday.
The film caused controversy when it was released in 1976 and was banned across much of the Arab world.
The Message. Photo: Screenshot
Now it will be given a widespread release across the region. Only Kuwait has continued its ban on the film.
Akkad’s son, Malek, has lobbied extensively for “The Message” to be screened across the region. The director’s son has worked tirelessly on the film’s restoration and to reacquaint himself with his father’s work.
“Over the years it has become a favorite, a classic in the region that they play on satellite stations, so a huge portion of the population is familiar with this film. But there is still an old guard on the censorship boards. However, I’m happy to say we have been pretty much successful in a large number of countries and I’m very happy about that.”
The Message. Photo: Screenshot
The Cinema Revival in Saudi Arabia
The move to reopen cinemas is part of a modernisation drive by the reformist crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, who is seeking to balance unpopular subsidy cuts in an era of low oil prices with more entertainment options, despite opposition from hardliners.
Saudi state media has said the company expects to open 40 cinemas in 15 cities over the next five years, but AMC will still face stiff competition from other heavyweights, including Dubai-based VOX Cinemas, the leading operator in the Middle East.
