'Al Resala' movie to screen in KSA after 40-year ban

CAIRO – 14 June 2018: After a ban of four decades, the movie "Al Resala" (The Message) is finally going to be released in theatres in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

Late Egyptian star Abdallah Ghaith and Syrian actress Mona Wassif were clearly portrayed on the movie’s new poster.

The movie was banned from being released in movie theatres not only in the KSA but in the entire GCC countries (Gulf Co-operation Council) for almost 40 years because it portrayed the ‘Sahaba’ (Friends of the Prophet PBUH), which was deemed improper back then.

"Al Resala" (The Message) is directed by Mustafa el Akkad and revolves around a part of Prophet Mohammed’s (Peace be upon him) life.

In its 40th anniversary, the officials in KSA finally agreed to release the movie in local theatres.

The movie is produced and distributed by Front Row productions. The firm officials declared that the movie is going to screen using the 4K technology for the first time in the Kingdom.

Actors, who participated in the cinematic project decades ago, declared their happiness regarding the decision of lifting the ban off the movie.

The decision of screening the movie in local theatres came in light of a series of liberal approaches the KSA government has adopted recently.

The new approach adopted by the KSA government is aiming to encourage more liberal views towards arts and culture in general, after centuries of an extremely conservative lifestyle that made the KSA community isolated from the rest of the world.

The promotional trailer of the movie was recently released causing great havoc in the Saudi community.

Most Saudis expressed their happiness and excitement for the release of "Al Resala"; high views and profits are expected by the local community.

It is worth noting that "Al Resala" was nominated for an Oscar Award for its soundtrack and was viewed in 2400 theatres in the USA alone.

Originally, Akkad released the movie in two copies; an Arabic version and an English version. The Arabic version combined numerous Arabic talents, including late great actor Abdallah Ghaith, Mona Wassif, Ahmed Marie and others, while the English version starred Anthony Quinn and was viewed in theatres all over the world.