Khorfakkan, an epic film written by the Emir of Sharjah, triumphs in the Istanbul and Brussels festivals | Atalayar

The first film produced by the Radio and Television Corporation in the Emirate of Sharjah, “Khorfakkan”, He won major prizes at the Istanbul and Brussels festivals. In the first case, as the best dramatic film, and in the second, as the best historical film.

The film is based on a book with the same title written by Sultan Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, who attended many filming sessions to provide advice and supervise the historical veracity of the events depicted. in the movie. The Irish film was co-directed by Maurice Sweeney and British director Ben Moll. which animated more than 300 artists and extras, including many Arab and Emirati artists.

In the Sharjah Audiovisual Authority’s first production, the focus was on the beaches, farms, and mountains of the ancient city of Khorfakkan. Thanks to Irish director of photography Richard Kendrick’s extensive exploration work, The sets have been carefully selected to be as close as possible to those of the 16th century, in which the action takes place.

Particularly bloody was the resistance of the inhabitants of Khorfakkan to the Portuguese naval invasion of 1507, led by General Afonso de Albuquerque.. 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 the fierce resistance of the besieged townspeople.

Like an epic movie The story is at the same time a documentary about the political and social situation in the region at that timethe way of life of its people, and of course the many acts of heroism and indomitable spirit which they displayed in the face of the Portuguese invaders.

The cast includes Syrian actor Rashid Assaf as General Alonso de Albuquerque. Among the well-known Syrian actors, Qais Sheikh Najib, Mansour Al-Faili, Abdullah bin Haidar, Abdul Rahman Al-Mulla, Muhammad Juma, and Qasim Malho. Emirati actors Ahmed Al Jasmi, Mohammed Al Ameri and Habib Ghuloom appear for the first time.

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). Best Asian Film, Best Documentary, and Best Director.