Majid Majidi’s historical epic ‘Muhammad: The Messenger of God’ will be screened for the first time in Europe at the 23rd International Film Festival of the Art of Cinematography ‘Camerimage’, in Poland, November 14-21.
Majidi and Italian cinematographer Vittorio Storaro are to receive the Outstanding Cinematic Duo Award as well, Cinemapress.ir reported.
The festival is dedicated to the language of cinematography, especially the visual aspects that enrich storytelling. In conferring the duo award, the many years of cooperation between the cinematographer and the director as well as dozens of films that stand out in narrative and aesthetic terms are considered. However, the main selection criterion is the value of the created films.
Cooperation between Majidi and Storaro culminated in a remarkably important film which includes both epic battle and reflective scenes that bring the viewer closer to the essence of Islamic spirituality by showing the most important moments in the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as a child (until the age of 13) and the people surrounding him.
This is the first part of the planned trilogy on the life of the prophet. The film helps explain the roots of Islam and its message, which revolves around tolerance and love for a fellow human being.
Vibrant Story
Drawing not only on the tradition and iconography of Islam, but also on the holy Qur’an and historical sources, Majidi and Storaro render the beauty and splendor of sixth-century Mecca in an exceptional manner. They create a vibrant story about cherishing other human beings, forbearance, and love.
A big production, the film is a bold and expressive voice on an extremely important contemporary topic as in today’s world Islamic beliefs are obscure for the western civilization, making them seem dangerous, as well as being associated with the threat posed by religious fanatics and fundamentalists. The film helps the viewer understand how remote these two are from the values preached by the founder of the faith. It has been shot not to divide, but to unite.
Majidi, 56, and Storaro, 75, are legends of global cinema. Both are famous for their love of cinematography and aesthetic exploration. In all their projects they engage in dialogue with viewers of various cultural, racial, and religious backgrounds, while setting their stories in a cultural, historical and psychological context.
Majidi’s films have touched on many themes and genres and won many international awards. Storaro has worked as the director of photography in over 50 films.
‘Muhammad’ had its world premiere at the Montreal Film Festival, Canada, on August 26. It was screened in Beirut last week. Taking over $3.3 million at the local box office in over two months, it is said to be the best-seller film of all time in Iran.
