An Arab Scenarist

Problem: I'm a scenarist. I'm working on a scenario about the tolerance of Islam. I hope it may change the wrong image of Islam in the West's eyes. I need you to furnish me with some information that I can add to my film to help carrying out my mission.

Answer by Hisham al Naggar

First I'd like to welcome the dear brother. Peace be upon you.

You don't know how much my happiness was when I read your letter. Not only because you are jealous for your religion and wants to defend it by all possible means but you have revived in me an everlasting dream to use modern technologies to call for Islam.

Dear brother no one can deny the role that the movie and theatre played to propagandize misconceptions about Islam in a very short period of time. Nobody can deny the great influence of mass media on the minds of people. Through media bad manners and ideologies were widespread.

We feel helpless when watch or hear these people's production especially that we don't have the tools they own to spoil their vicious plans to influence masses, who receive their work unconsciously.

We have suffered a lot, dear brother, from the control of such people over vital mass media like cinema and theatre while we don't have such instruments.

We have always watched and read the work of international writers, thinkers and directors presenting their creation to millions of people around the world. We hoped that their art was advocating Islam and its issues.

I have always seen our youth spending their precious time watching trivial and pornographic movies killing their free time, as they claim.

They don't realize that by this act they kill their fervor, their tender feelings and every sense of beauty. They also harm the universe which always glorifies and praises the Creator.

I always hope that this great mission, culturing and raising generations, is held by real responsible men.

I always wonder for how long will Islamists see cinema and theatre as an enemy? Why don't they tame this monster and use it for the interest of Islam?

However, my dear brother,

This is a new field for Islamists, as you know, and it is being developed every day. Making a film is a complicated task. It doesn't depend only on a good story or perfect scenario. No, it requires also a good cast of actors, cameramen, decorators, directors, etc.

I wish from all my heart these elements to be available for such a film that discusses an Islamic issue.

I'm not an expert but I have some ideas that may help you:

First: the object you chose for your scenario is quite serious. We can say that any movie, short or long, can't comprehend it.

The challenge you will face is how to summarize this great issue into a creative, nontraditional work of art so it must be concentrated and deep.

Your film won't be just for fun or spending time. It will be a medium to deliver some message so it mustn't be simplified. This doesn't mean to philosophize or complicate things. I mean to be deep, professional, honest and objective. Another challenge is to select the plot of your film.

A film, you know, is not like a lecture or a sermon. It is a work of art whatever the issue or topic it discusses is.    

A movie isn't either a book of history. It depends on how to convey your thoughts and feelings to the audience.

The Italian director, Federico Fellini, says "when I start working on a film, ten or twelve days pass before I feel it. Then I begin to give it life as if I'm a magician. To me a camera is like a pen to a poet. After a while the film becomes a living creature that has his own existence and identity."

An idea or a creative work in general doesn't come to your mind or be fulfilled at once. You will discover what you intended after you finish it. As a creative, you are asked to follow your feelings accurately.

Another challenge that you will face is "the dialogue".

The dialogue shouldn't be so serious. It is better to be an attractive one. You may make it like that used in modern cinema that depends on motion and suspense.

It will be good to be funnier when criticizing the reality. You can also use symbols to convey your message. In some scenes, you can rely only on the camera.

By a good plot and touching dialogue, I believe you can fill the gap of huge funding, which you cannot afford.

Dear brother, Allah only knows how much I'm happy with your message and your project.

I encourage you from all my heart and wish you good luck.

Translated by: Rania El Saieed

Revised by: Fatima Suleiman