www.muhammadthelastprophet.co.uk/trailer/trailer.html

F.A.Q. 

Frequently Asked Questions about

Muhammad: The Last Prophet

      Q. If this is a movie about the Prophet Muhammad, will he be shown

A.  No. Muhammad: The Last Prophet is similar in plot to Moustapha Akkad�s 1976 live-action film, The Message. While the events surrounding the Prophet�s life will be highlighted, the Prophet himself is never seen or heard. His representation is dealt with through sound and cinematography. We experience him through point of view shots and through other people�s interactions with him. His presence is felt rather than seen or heard, and his message is conveyed through its effects on people and events.

Q.  Why won�t Muhammad be shown?

A.  In Islam, representations of God, the Prophets and other highly religious figures (the disciples, for example) are discouraged. This is motivated by the following rationalization: by not putting a face on God or the Prophets, no race/status/gender is indicated. Therefore, the images themselves won't be subject to worship or idealization over the idea of what they represent. The absence of their images does not mean that their messages don�t take center stage. 

Q. Can you tell a story about God or the Prophets without seeing or hearing them?

A.  If you are creative enough, yes. You can tell a story about how they impact other people, shape events, and influence actions. Not seeing the wind doesn�t preclude you from feeling it. In the same way, one may recognize the Prophet Muhammad�s impact on Arab society whether they were there to experience it themselves or not. The story of this particular film is framed around the experiences of one man with the Prophet and how the message of Islam impacts his daughter, who was born after the Prophet died. Generations of people across the globe and the centuries followed the Prophet without meeting him, and for millennia, people of all faiths have believed in God through blind faith alone, aware of his presence through nature and/or his Prophets.

Q.  Why should Muslims see this film?

A.  Because it is a great film! It is also the first animated film by and about Muslims to premiere in theaters in North America. In order to ensure that more films by and about Muslim get made, it is important to support such films, especially by the Muslim community as they venture into the mainstream movie industry. We hope to produce bigger and better films in the future!

Q.  Why should Christians, Jews, and others see this film?

A.  Because it is still a great film! It also introduces the main people and events that gave rise to the religion of Islam, the sister religion of the two great Abrahamic faiths, Christianity and Judaism. This film will outline the similarities among the religions, and share the great struggles and victories that are inherent in all major religions. This film is in an animated medium that is appealing and accessible to all ages, and can be an experience everyone can enjoy and share together.

Q.  What is the movie about?

A.  The movie is set about 1400 years ago during the early years of Islam and follows the story of Malek as he narrates his experiences to his daughter, Siham. He remembers a time when slavery, superstition, gambling, drunkenness, and greed ruled the day in Mecca. Memories of poverty and corruption give way to the winds of change as Malek relates his experiences with a man named Muhammad. Forty years old and deeply troubled by the Meccan status quo, Muhammad retreated to a cave in contemplation, and it was there that Angel Gabriel revealed to him his prophecy. Renewed by the message of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad took his message of peace, tolerance, dignity, and social equality to the Meccans. The film relates the events that unfolded that led to the rise of a renewed religion in the Arabian desert, eventually spanning 7 continents and counting 1.6 billion adherents around the world. This story is as relevant today as it was in Malek�s time, and aims to introduce the story of Islam and its Prophet to new generations.

Q.  How can you discuss all of that in one film?

A.  It wasn�t easy! The script, originally 4 � hours long, was trimmed to 90 minutes. Not all of the events or people important to the rise of Islam are mentioned. Only key events are covered to present the main thrust of Muhammad�s message and the struggles early Muslims endured to protect that message and bring lasting change to Meccan society. The film is an introduction to Islam, and hopes to inspire and encourage further study of one of the most important religions in this day and age.

Q.  Who produced the film?

A.  Badr International, a British Virgin Islands Corporation, came up with the idea for an animated film about the Prophet Muhammad. Its chairman, Muwaffaq al-Harithy, saw the need for such a film and began developing it in 1998. His company recruited RichCrest Media to produce their first film because RichCrest had an established reputation in the field of animation. It produced religious videos along with the �Animated Heroes Series� which ran on HBO. In 1994 Rich produced its first feature, The Swan Princess. Rich also produced The King and I,  The Fox and the Hound, and The Trumpet of the Swan.

Q.  Were Muslims involved in the making of the film?

A.  Yes. Muwaffaq al-Harithy, chairman of Badr International, is a devout Muslim who wanted to make a film about the Prophet Muhammad in order to introduce his message of peace to the world through a new medium: animation. Because the film would appeal to Muslims, Badr sent a first draft of the movie script to the Al-Azhar University in Cairo, which had direct influence on the censors in Egypt and other Muslim countries, where it also had clout. The movie was approved on October 16^th, 2002 by the Al-Azhar�s Center for Islamic Research. In North America, Badr formed a film consulting team that included scholars such as Dr. Khalid Abou El Fadl (UCLA), Ms. Firdosi Wharton-Ali (UCLA), Dr. John L. Esposito (Georgetown) and Dr. John S. Voll (Georgetown).

Q.  Where can I learn more about Islam and Muslims?

A.  There is a wealth of good information on Islam and Muslims in libraries and on the internet. One may also visit local mosques and Islamic schools.**

Q.  Has the movie already been shown in other countries?

A.  Yes. The movie has already premiered in Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and other Middle Eastern countries late in 2002, to rave reviews.
The film was also released in the U.S. and Canada in 2004, with a very successful outcome.

Q.  Who�s behind the North American release?

A.  Islam Channel in collaboration with Fine Media Group (USA) is releasing the film. Islam Channel is a London based television channel. Islam Channel aspires to be an alternative channel; it will advance unbiased and accurate images of Islam and Muslims and endeavour to bring about cultural understanding and awareness for a peaceful and harmonious co-existence amongst communities.
Fine Media Group (USA) is a production, marketing and distribution agency located in Chicago, IL, was formed in 2000 and has earned the rights to the North American theatrical release. Fine Media Group (USA) specializes in family-fare films that are culturally-distinct and of the highest quality.

Q.  Where can I see the movie and how do I get tickets?

A.  The movie will have a limited engagement beginning June 16, 2006, in VUE and ODEON cinemas across the U.K. Tickets may be purchased at the door at the cinemas. Visit the CINEMA LOCATIONS for an updated list of locations and timings.

Q.  Are there other movies by or about Muslims in the market?

A.  Yes! Fine Media Group carries a line of award winning feature length films and series that appeal to kids of all ages and are supplemented by a variety of products such as books, CDs, games, and teacher�s guides. Other great resources include Soundvision, Astrolabe, Unity Productions Foundation, and others. Most can be found online and through amazon.com.