Dr. Gemal the moviemaker
Conventional wisdom in public relations has it that of all the tools at the disposal of organizations or groups, having a cause championed in a movie is the most effective.
Although academics debate just how powerful film media influence over our lives is, anecdotal evidence supports the contention that the influence is enormous, especially in shaping first impressions on an issue.
For example, according to the Los Angeles Times a local plumbing company received over 70 calls from families trying to save their gold fish after children flushed them down the toilet subsequent to watching the movie "Finding Nemo". Those who are old enough might remember the huge increase in interest in martial arts and Buddhism across North America after the launch of the television series "Kung Fu" in the mid 1970's.
In North America, this fact was not lost on corporations who routinely embed advertisements in movies. Readers might recall that "E.T." could not do without his Reeces Pieces, Superman regularly ate Kellogg brand of Corn Flakes for breakfast, and Windex had an overwhelming number of uses in the movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding".
Effective communications of the Islamic world view and ethics by Muslims is not only essential, it is a divine commandment. Allah says in the Qur'an (16:125) "Invite (all) to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching..." which instructs us to seek quality in both the content of our message as well as its delivery.
The last few years have ushered in an encouraging wave of new Muslim media artists. One such person is Dr. Gemal Seede, an Information Technology executive turned filmmaker.
Dr. Seede is working on a bold Sci-Fi film project called the "Alliance". The film is as ambitious as any other blockbuster Sci-Fi.
We interviewed Dr. Seede at his home in Southern California.
Alliance: Inside space craft hanger bay |
What is your role in Alliance?
I'm the Executive Producer. Basically, that's like the CEO of the movie. I make major decisions; hire the Director, the Producer, etc. But mostly, I make sure we have the funding to complete our work.
I visited your Alliance movie web site and saw the trailer . It seems you've made quite a bit of progress. What is the premise behind the movie?
In "Alliance", 24th century Earth has come under attack by a shadowy alien race called the Kytaan. In the midst of this terrible conflict, an archeologist named Jenna Yameen finds a mystical artifact in the Arabian Desert. When she deciphers celestial coordinates on this artifact, she is sent across the galaxy with a heroic Bedouin captain who helps her find the faith she needs to save Earth, and herself.
If you haven't guessed yet, Alliance is a science-fiction movie (laugh).
So Alliance is set in the future.
This part of the story is very interesting. One of the things we find out in the movie is that the events of the future are rooted in something that happened in the past. So actually, the movie is set both in the future and the past.
From your website, it seems that there are more than one episode. How many episodes are there in Alliance?
"Alliance" is really a trilogy. We're actively working on the second episode, but we've sketched out a detailed template for a prequel and a sequel.
When will "Alliance" play in movie theatres?
Right now we are working on a short version of the movie, which InshaAllah, should play in film festivals this year. We are also in the process of seeking investment for a feature length version, so the timing of its distribution will depend on how quickly we raise capital.
Alliance: Demolecularizing for transport |
What was your motivation behind making this type of film?
There are many motivations, but the primary one is to foster racial, ethnic and religious tolerance.
What is the central theme of the movie?
The major theme is that spiritual growth is necessary for human success. That is a universal theme and one that all audiences can gain from.
Yes, but why a sci-fi?
I wanted people to look optimistically to the future and be inspired to be forward thinking. A lot of films are set in the past or present. Some are set in the future. But few show how the past affects the future. We all need to learn from the lessons of the past, but that's not enough. We also need to be more innovative in solving the world's problems and our own. If you read Muslim history, you find that the Prophet Muhammad and his sahaba (companions) were very innovative. So I thought that a sci-fi could better accomplish that by presenting a vision of what is possible.
So would it be fair to say that you decided to produce "Alliance" to promote tolerance and innovative thinking?
Yes. That's right. In the short version of the movie, we're also trying to show case the quality of work that members from our community can attain.
What are you doing to ensure the quality of "Alliance"?
We shot our footage on High Definition cameras. It's the same type of camera that George Lucas used for the last release of Star Wars. Also, we are using the state of the art tools for the special effects. And we used great costumes and props, which dramatically increased the production value of the film. We cast very talented actors and actresses. And the script has gone through numerous revisions and improvements. In short, we're doing everything we can.
Alliance: Bedouin helps Alien navigate through dessert. |
How are you funding this film? From where/whom would you like to see these funds come from?
For the short film I am using my own resources to fund this project. For the full feature we're hoping to start raising capital form domestic and overseas sources. This is an exciting business venture and we will be looking for business partners, not donors.
Why is that?
Because we have many ideas for future movies and television production and we want to be able to reinvest the profits from one project into the next. And we want business partners who will work with us on a long term objective.
What was your biggest accomplishment in the film and what hurdles did you successfully jump over to get what you wanted?
The biggest accomplishment was creating and defining the story. It's quite ambitious to try to tell an epic story in a short film format.
The biggest hurdle has been financing. It's taken longer to complete given both our high standards and our relatively modest means. I think most Muslim with the means to invest have become gun-shy regarding investments right now.
What is your advice to Muslims thinking about going into the film industry? What's it like working as a Muslim in Hollywood?
Our community has a lot of needs, but no one project can do every thing. I say pick a single issue that motivates you and focus on it. Don't be tempted to address all issues in one project.
When you start a project like this, you may be surprised at how many people will help you. We've had a lot of people working on this project without compensation, giving their services without charge. It's really a blessing.
Thank you Dr. Seede for your time and we wish you success on this project.
Click here to see Movie Trailer
Website: http://www.alliancethemovie.com/
Mumin Pictures is open to investment inquiries regarding the feature length version of Alliance. If you're interested in learning more email [email protected]
Related Suggestions
Though there is no proof of extraterestrial life, I easily found many ayat in favor of the view that it might exist. For example, 3:83 "all creatures in the heavens and on earth have, willing or unwilling, bowed to His Will" See also 10:66, 11:123, 13:15, 16:49, 16:49, 17:44, 19:93, 21:19, 27:87 and many more ayat.
Its illogical to think that Allah created billions of stars in our galaxy, and billions of galaxys just for man's decoration. Furthermore, the Quran supports man's efforts in contemplating this creation 3:191 "Men who celebrate the praises of Allah, standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and contemplate the (wonders of) creation in the heavens and the earth, (With the thought): "Our Lord! not for naught Hast Thou created (all) this! Glory to Thee! Give us salvation from the penalty of the Fire."
Until then: If aliens don't exist, so much the better. The conquest of the Universe would be that much easier (insha'Allah).
Wassalam!
PS. Please be informed that whenever I read about the fires of hell being ignited, I feel a sense of serenity I have rarely before experienced. It makes me feel as if I were floating on a cloud. (Just in case that saves you time planning the sermon -- Jazak Allahu khair!)
This is further to the comments I posted earlier. I missed posting earlier that the 'Lord of the Worlds' also includes the differnet animal worlds, animals that live on land, in sea, under the land etc. But there is no eveidence either it he Quran or in the Sahih Hadith texts that there is life anywhere else besides the earth.
May Allah be Glorified! Truly there is no God but Allah, Master of the universe. May the Peace and blessings of Allah be on our beloved Prophet (saw).
If your name is a reference to Qur'an 2:233 then you might appear to be relocating for the sake of raising a family as well. I don't wish to be offensive -- but I have been wondering if the emphasis on piety (in most Muslim lands) would serve as a reason, by itself, for conversion to Islam. I wish you every success, whether you move or stay (Ameen).
If your name is a referrence to Qur'an 2:233 then you might appear to be relocating for the sake of raising a family as well. I don't wish to be offensive -- but I have been wondering if the emphasis on piety (in most Muslim lands) would serve as a reason, by itself, for conversion to Islam.
We hope to see more people come forth and do as well as this movie's outstanding crew did. I have read the "disagree" reviews and I am sad to see that some people are NOT fully understanding of the religion. Islam encourages people to get educated, to think, to get informed and to ask for knowledge. The prophet Mohammad (Peace be upon him) said to the Arabs living in the Middle East at the time (Over 1400 years ago): "Seek knowledge even if it's in China". That was a pretty far place to travel to back then when the only means of transportation were horses, camels & boats!!
I am far more in touch with reality than you, be assured of that.
By labelling other 'muslims' as liberals I state a fact, to tell the truth is never bad, if it causes division, then those who are divided are the true and the untrue. If you wish to wallow in falsehhod, do so, but I will point it out, like it or not.
Weeken our ummah, our ummah is already weak and pathetic, for the exact reason that the truth is not stated or followed. If more people had the guts to speak the truth, even if it went against them, our ummah would not be the mat upon which the world wiped its feet. "Nowhere in the Glorious Qur'an does it say that life does not exist on other planets. " I can give a few reasons why you are wrong, later insha allah. Meanwhile, why don't you make an effort to prove your point. On such issues, the Qur'an is our furqaan. There either are, or there are not.
"When you say with confidence, that "there is any life elsewhere in the universe (biological life like ourselves), then the Qur'an stands refuted," you are in itself disbelieving the authenticity of hte Qur'an and doubting the truth of our blessed book from Allah (SWA)."
I am not, I am saying that by your acceptance of alien life, it is infact you who is disrepecting the Qur'an. I am also saying, that should alien life exist, from my knowledge of this topic in the Qur'an, I would consider it refuted and false. I only follow the Qur'an because I happen to think it is true, if I stop thinking this, I will stop following it.simple.
"Marwan, please read the Qur'an from the first few ayat's and maybe you'll realize that you don't know everything, Allah (SWA) does." I claim only that I know enough about this topic in the Qur'an
Based on this evidence from Quran, I think it is not appropriate to assume or think that there are other worlds besides the worlds of mankind and the Jinn. Neither the Glorious Quran nor the Hadiths indicate any evidence for it, but they do give a lot of evidence to the contrary.
Assalam Alaikum! Peace to all.
Incidentally, I have noted in the past that the Arabic text for Quran 37:79 (Peace and salutation to Noah among the nations) seems to end with the same word that appears at the very end of the Arabic text for Quran 1:2 (Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds). Alas, as yet, I cannot read Arabic -- but I was given a copy of the English translation by Saheeh International -- alhamdulillah.
Assalamo alaikum.
Incidentally, I have noted in the past that the Arabic text for Quran 37:79 (Peace and salutation to Noah among the nations) seems to end with the same word that appears at the very end of the Arabic text for Quran 1:2 (Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds). Alas, as yet, I cannot read Arabic -- but I was given a copy of the English translation by Saheeh International -- alhamdulillah.
Marwan, you are trying to tell other Muslims that we cannot feel and have emotions? So you say love poems are against Islam? Have you ever read the works of Jalalludin Rumi? Or Hafiz, Idrees, Muhamamd Iqbal??????? WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN FOR THE LAST 1000 years when these people were sharing the beauty of Islam with the world?? I think you really need to get in touch with reality. Take my criticism in the same way you have criticized two other people on this page for showing emotions and feelings. Wow...I really thought someone who can write as well as you could, would not state something as silly as "in Islam there is no space for sentamentalism, for love poems, for stupid emotions..." la la la la.... You sound like you're from another planet (pun intended).
Then to label people are Liberal Muslims...you're doing nothing but worsen the situation and weaken our Ummah. If you truly care for Islam, and ask us to read the Qur'an, why don't you read Surah Al Fatihah, ayat 2? Alhumdulillahir-Rab-il-Aalaameen. All praise is due to Allah, lord of the worlds.
Nowhere in the Glorious Qur'an does it say that life does not exist on other planets. Once again, I invite you to open your mind to the possibility that there are things in this Universe which Allah knows, and you do not know. When you say with confidence, that "there is any life elsewhere in the universe (biological life like ourselves), then the Qur'an stands refuted," you are in itself disbelieving the authenticity of hte Qur'an and doubting the truth of our blessed book from Allah (SWA).
Marwan, please read the Qur'an from the first few ayat's and maybe you'll realize that you don't know everything, Allah (SWA) does.
Wassalaam.
But then again, my mind cautions like the previous poster, that it is not because a lack of "Hollywood participation," but a deficiency of moral, political, and above all spiritual participation that has been the source of our problems. After all one would be wise to just look at Bollywood and how it has hurt the Muslims generations (even with hoardes of Muslim directors, producers, etc.) by planting materialistic themes and worldy pleasures that has indeed deviated the Muslim masses.
So in short, I'M CONFUSED...
And I do wish Mr. Seede the best.
Also, if I might be permitted to offer "a wee bit of advice" to an apparently well-respected student of Islam, consider perhaps including within assertions pertaining to Allah's plan some sort of allowance for the will of Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala). I would even be inclined to offer such advice (insha'Allah) to a student who appeared to have the utmost confidence in their own comprehension of Allah's word. Insha'Allah I am grateful for attempts, by those who fear Allah, (insha'Allah) to increase me in understanding.
Salaam.
But Nuraini, I think when it comes down to it, we are in fact only making movies about Islam, since they must be within the folds of Islam. What I am saying here is that Islam does not only mean talking about Qur'an and Hadith - there is nothing wrong with that, but Muslims should not be discouraged from making films about every day life or comedy or other forms of entertainment which can enrich our lives, not degrade them like MOST of the content on television today.
Then again...I'd like to see basic Islamic teachings in movies and television because the truth is, most people have no clue about PLENTY of things in Islam...so the first responsibility of ours is to teach those with many misconceptions about Islam, the truth. gratsee, arrivederci! =)
However, it would seem to be a bit "presumptuous" to assert that life beyond this world is by definition un-Islamic. Frankly, to me at least, such an assertion would seem more likely to come from the archives of the Vatican than from a widely respected Islamic school of thought. I myself would be inclined to say that the Qur'an seems more likely to provide us with descriptions of other worlds with than signs indicating that such worlds do not exist.
Consider, for example, Qur'an 25:45. Afterwards, consider what was seemingly (at least at some point in time) the orbital characteristics of the Planet Mercury. As it is, the verse provides what even today seems to be a close enough description of that particular planet's (current) orbital characteristics. Admittedly, Mercury would not seem to be very hospital to life - at least not such life as "modern science" currently describes - which I suppose might essentially be one of the reasons for which Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) willed for that particular verse to be revealed. Think of it perhaps as a sign of Allah's compassion towards the inhabitants of this particular world and that transition from day to night is not something to take for granted.
If you might be implying instead that we should not speculate about such things then to me that would seem to be a different discussion. In any event, please do not allow me to detract from your second point, which appeared to be that (as Muslims) we should be attempting to incorporate Islam into everything that we do. Insha'Allah (God willing) I agree.
I am against this movie because I believe it's against Islam for someone to make a movie with aliens in it. I think most Islamic scholars in non-Western countries would agree with me. That is really something to pay attention to, Mad Max. I also think it's wrong for a Muslim to watch such a movie. If Muslim children and adults watch these kind of movies, some of them will become more confortable about Western beliefs.
You know, in Saudi Arabia there are no movie theaters. I think people should listen to the scholars there more than people currently do. Saudis would scoff at the idea of making a movie with aliens in it.
I think that the famous Muslims scholars from a long time ago, if they were alive today, would think that making a movie with aliens in it is not good.
We must listen to the famous scholars instead of the newfangled interpretations of Islam. The famous scholars are famous for a reason.
Please, this world is already Western enough. Let's not make it more Western by making and watching a bunch of Western movies.
PS: I am going to leave this agnostic, immoral country (USA) someday and move to a Muslim country. I encourage Muslims living in the West to do the same unless they really are not able or they are doing missionary work. Reason: It is inevitable that a person living in the West will become more Western. It just happens. That means that if a Muslim lives in the West for a long time, then he'll become a worse Muslim.
Mat from Malaysia: I encourage you to vote for Parti Islam Semalaysia (PAS) if you don't already. I have a friend in MY and I've learned a decent amount about MY. I hope this doesn't offend you but I think UMNO is secular and PAS should be in con
be honest & say this is just a movie .. not related to islam in anyway ,except that it is made by a muslims.
Wasalam
As regards muslims not having to make movies about islam. If they are muslim, they must always incorperate Islam in every situation, storyline, athic, moral etc.. Otherwise they are no better than the money hungry, amoral media makers of hollywood. It is all a question of sincerity and motives.
Alternatively, Muslims can make movies with pop culture/mainstream ideas where they live, adding scenarios show Muslims ain't that terrible. But they have to be creative and subtle in scripts and story-telling.
But please no more alien movie, we had enough of that.
I see nothing wrong with this film. I see it
as entertainment as well as a learning
experience.
Alhamdulillah
By implication the idea that there are other worlds is supported by Qur'an.
What our friend Marwan fails to realize is that the realm of fantasy has been used to as neutral ground to present ideas for generations. Expand your mind! Stop being such a stick!
Why can't there be other worlds? Is Allah limited? I say NO! Look to the works of Frank Herbert to see a future view of Islam. I am very excited to see Islamic concepts woven into SciFi again.
Salaam alikum
L
amazing!
Assalamu alaikum.
--Yahya Bergum
On a slightly different note: Imagine having one's attempts at dawah - insha'Allah - financially supported by those at whom one's attempts at dawah were directed. There's no business like show business - masha'Allah.