There are billions of dollars of revenue and profit to be made from the Muslim market for film and TV content. The Western producers from the UK and the USA have lost a major opportunity and continue to do so. Why, simply because of ignorance and prejudice. Much of the prejudice is from the notion that Christian values are superior, when in fact, it was purely a political tool to divide and rule and dehumanise Muslims. We are seeing the legacy of this absurdity in the geo-politics conflicts in the world we live in today. It’s now time to see them as Judea, Christian and Islamic values. Let’s be honest: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are all from the Abrahamic faith and interwoven like a rope in their beliefs and faith, that is a fact and undeniable.
As a filmmaker, I am so frustrated, verging on anger, on how it is almost impossible to engage anyone in the film funding value chain when it comes to Muslim storylines. No matter how incredible and powerful these films can be, both historical, current, or characters and event-driven. When you approached producers, well! I can imagine how Dracula felt when confronted with the cross.
The Turkish film industry is beginning to capitalise on this opportunity. And the most surprising aspect has been that the films have had a much wider appeal across the world. Their success has shown the storyline is no longer just for Muslims but for all people across the world, no matter caste, creed, or religion.
The story of great Muslims, such as Saladin Ayyub, Mansa Musa, Ibn Battuta, Rumi, Ghalib, Harun al Rashid, Ibn Senna, Ghazali and many scientific pioneers that shaped modern society, stories of Cordoba, Baghdad, Moghuls etc. There are many more fascinating narratives, and of course, the prophet of Islam, the last film made was almost 30 years ago.
Such stories are as compelling, exciting and powerful in every way. And have had a very positive impact on the world. These stories are universal and would appeal to anyone where in the world. The Western film industry must show diversity in film and of course, make vast money. Film financiers need to look at the success of Ertugrul, a Turkish drama that has been seen in almost every country in the world. The West only seems to have milked the Arabic story Aladdin, and that’s about it.
I suggest giving running the same old Western stories as a broken record, a break, there is a whole new world out there. A whole new market out there that wants to see new things, including nearly 2 billion affluent Muslims. It’s time to put aside the hate, misinformation, political agenda, and ignorance and build a better world through commercial filmmaking. If done with sensitivity, the market for the stories is global and commercially lucrative.
The bankers, the journalists, producers, distributors, and directors need to engage in this opportunity, or you will be left out. We Muslim filmmakers can make you vast money. For example, let’s start by telling the true story of the Crusades, Scott’s Kingdom of Heaven made a good start. Any producers out there talk to me and hear of the countless film opportunities to tell a story and get rich.
Wa’qar Mirza
