MANAMA, 14 January 2005 — Work has started on Bahrain’s first feature film for children, which is expected to hit the big screen by next summer.
Habbab Wa Keelab Al Sahir (Habbab and the Sorcerer’s Dogs) will be made in Arabic, with a budget of BD75,000.
It is written, produced and directed by children’s theater veteran and one-time horror movie director Hamad Al-Shahabi. “The plot and characters of the movie are derived from themes of ancient Iranian, Chinese and Indian tales,” he said.
“I first got interested in the story when I read a translated copy compiled by Abdulqader Aqeel about two years ago. I immediately started work on turning the story into a script.”
The movie takes place in an ancient village around 1,000 years ago and tells the story of a young boy, whose rich father asks him to travel the world to learn one new skill and then return home to teach others.
“Habbab goes on a journey accompanied by a sidekick he meets along the way named Juju, who helps him through many obstacles,” said Al-Shahabi.
“During his journey, the boy and his sidekick come across enchanted kingdoms and magical forests that are rich with unique characters.”
The message of the story is that someone who acquires new knowledge can always be helpful to his community. It also highlights the importance of education, the conflict between good and evil and the relationship between father and son.
The feature film is the fourth to be produced in Bahrain and the second by Al- Shahabi, who directed the movie Bait Al Jin (House of Ghosts) in 1994.
The award-winning producer, director and screen writer, has done over 15 children’s plays since the early 1980s and has written scripts for around 100 dramas, comedy shows and children’s programs for television in the Gulf states.
Most of the movie will be shot outdoors, at locations including Al Areen Wildlife Park, Sakhir, Lawzi in Hamad Town and Al Buhair in East Riffa.
“The most difficult challenge will be to ensure that no signs of technology are visible in the movie, since the story is supposed to have taken place around 1,000 years ago,” he said.
Locations have been chosen to ensure that no cars will be heard nor electricity lines or homes visible.
The main character Habbab, will be played by 21-year-old Bahraini actor Hassan Majid.
“The other main characters include Habbab’s father played by Mohammed Yaseen, Juju by Hussain Al Aalwi and the narration, by Mariam Zaiman.”
