The first film produced by the Sharjah Audiovisual Authority “Khor Fakkan” He won major prizes at the Istanbul and Brussels festivals. In the first case, the best dramatic film, and in the second, the best historical film.
The film is based on a book of the same title, written by Sultan Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, one of the United Arab Emirates, who attended many of the filming sessions to advise and supervise the historical veracity of the events mentioned. In the movie. The film was co-directed by Irishman Maurice Sweeney and British director Ben Malle. Which displaced more than 300 artists and extras, including many Arab and Emirati artists.
In this first production from the Sharjah Audiovisual Media Authority, the focus was on the beaches, farms and mountains of the old city of Khor Fakkan. Thanks to the extensive exploratory work of Irish director of photography Richard Kendrick, The settings have been carefully chosen to be as close as possible to those of the 16th century, where the events take place.
The resistance of the people of Khor Fakkan to the Portuguese naval invasion in 1507, led by General Afonso de Albuquerque, was particularly bloody.. The story continues 27 years later, when, on February 13, 1534, Commander Jorge de Castro launched a new attack on the city. The siege of the city by Portuguese sailors ultimately failed due to fierce resistance from the besieged city's inhabitants.
Like an epic movie, The story is at the same time a documentary about the political and social situation in the region at that timeAnd the way of life of its inhabitants, and of course the many heroic deeds and indomitable spirit they showed against the Portuguese invaders.
The cast includes Syrian actor Rashid Assaf in the role of General Alonso de Albuquerque. Other famous Syrian actors include Qais Sheikh Najib, Mansour Al-Fili, Abdullah bin Haidar, Abdul Rahman Al-Mulla, Muhammad Jumaa, and Qasim Malhou. The first appearance of Emirati actors Ahmed Al Jasmi, Mohammed Al Ameri and Habib Ghuloum.
The film has now won awards in Turkey and Belgium, in addition to the three awards it won last June at the Athvikvaruni International Film Festival (India). For Best Asian Film, Best Documentary and Best Director.
