PRODUCERS SEEKING INVESTORS FOR MOVIE ON ISLAM

By Muin Abdul Majid

DUBAI, Oct 31 (Bernama) -- The producers of a new US$131 million movie
revolving around the birth of Islam are on the look out for potential investors
for the project.

They would start an investment roadshow across the Gulf region shortly to
seek financing for "The Messenger of Peace" which was expected to begin
production early next year, Arabian Business reported.

"This project will bring good to the world and is also a fantastic
investment opportunity which will bring syariah-compliant attractive returns,"
the online business news provider quoted executive producer Hajja Subhia Abu
Elheja, who is also a major investor in the film, as saying.

Another producer, Oscar Zoghbi, said they were looking at selecting a
limited number of best of breed potential co-investors who believed in the noble
objectives of the film, besides the investment viewpoint of its
promoters.

"The core objective is to not only tap into a market of 1.5 billion Muslims
eager to experience a powerful and successful film conveying the true values of
their religion but also a global market of non-Muslims," he said.

According to Arabian Business, the producers had appointed Dubai-based
Millennium Finance Corporation to attract co-investors for the project.

In addition, Dar Al Sharia Legal and Financial Consultancy LLC, the
specialist syariah consulting arm of Dubai Islamic Bank, has been roped in to
ensure the film is in keeping with Islam and portrays the early history of the
religion with utmost authenticity and credibility.

Renowned syariah scholar and Dar Al Sharia director Dr Hussain Hamed Hussan
will be lead syariah supervisor.

He and other syariah scholars would be closely involved in the development
of the script and its correct implementation, Arabian Business reported, adding
that 'The Messenger of Peace' would be only the second movie of its kind on the
subject of Islam.
-- BERNAMA