Feature Films Set to Raise Figures from Arab History to International Acclaim
Entitled “Shadow King” and “Epic Voyager”; the two pioneering film projects are currently undergoing the process of creative development into two separate Epic feature films. Sheena Ackrim – a Scottish cinematographer - is the creator, writer, and producer of both films.
The films portray the life of these two men that decided to make their dreams a reality even though the path ahead promised danger, uncertainty, or heartbreak. “Shadow King” pays tribute to the unforgettable life of Imru-al-Qais - the earliest known Poet of all time - and explores his journey to discover his soul mate. The travels of Ibn Battuta which spanned the equivalent of 44 countries today are memorialized in “Epic Voyager” to duly-honor the most famed Berber of all time.
Both projects came as a result of a collaborative effort by a team of uniquely-dedicated and visionary professionals from the UAE, Morocco, Jordan, Lebanon, the US, and the United Kingdom. The films have so far received overwhelming
Press Release
feedback the US and Europe, namely; Warner Bros., Velvet Octupus productions, Paramount Pictures, and MGM in addition to various other media -outlets and TV stations. This is a reassuring sign that the world is ready for Arabic Epics, in the genre of award winning productions like Brave Heart, Gladiator, and Titanic.
“My sole purpose in these Epic tales is to gift the Arab Nation in the same way that my own beloved Scottish Nation was gifted with the film Brave Heart. For not only does this invoke pride to all the inhabitants of Arab countries; but also beyond these realms. Moreover, the films serve to educate the youth of today, to remember their ancestral past in a picturesque way that will last for decades and centuries to come. I, for one, was personally touched in this way with Scotland's Hero “William Wallace”. Not only is he now remembered by the Scots, but also the entire world with great fondness”, says Writer/Producer Sheena Ackrim.
Commenting on Ackrim’s projects, Amer Saleh Al-Qimish, a Jordanian Archaeologist/Historian Consultant said: “Shadow King is a beautiful expressive story that is a lesson in loyalty and true uncontrollable love. Every human should leave a memory or something to keep him remembered, and so did this poet, he loved beauty wherever it existed and in whatever shape it comes, without limits."
From his end, Professor Hasan Al Naboodah, Historian, United Arab Emirates University commented: “Both of these two projects, “Shadow King” and “Epic Voyager”, illustrate the adventures of two great historical figures. The lives and achievements of these figures will be an inspiration to both Arabs and Westerners alike``
Ackrim and her team are in negotiations with investors for on the film projects and are keen on securing financing for both projects. To that effect, she said:
“We are seeking interested parties who are looking to be involved in these exciting and unprecedented movie projects and we would be privileged if the Arab Nations themselves could personally be involved in both these projects. It is fundamentally their historical legends that e as a multi-cultural team are developing to then be told to to all Kingdoms globally.”
“Epic Voyager” and “Shadow King” are produced in collaboration with Crimson Thistle IncMedia and Entertainment. The content for their screenplayes was researched by their writer with the help and ongoing collaboration of the Zayed Center for Heritage and History, Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, Juma Al Majid Center for Culture and Heritage – Dubai, the Juma Al Majid Centre for Culture and Heritage-Dubai, U A E University- Al Ain, Zayed University – Dubai, American University of Shargah- Shargah, Pearl Museum, Deira- Dubai, Dubai Museum- Dubai, Dubai Heritage and Diving Village- Dubai and Sheik Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding- Dubai.
