On Thursday 25 June 2009, Qatar Foundation for Education Science and Community Development hosted the signature ceremony of the production development agreement, with Indian Director Muzaffar Ali, and American screenwriter David Ward, for the international bio-epic feature film of Jalal al-Din Rumi.
The film illustrates the life and biography of Sufi poet and scientist Jalal al-Din Rumi, who was born in Afghanistan in 1207 and lived roaming between his homeland, Iran and Syria until he resided in Turkey where he died in 1273 in the city of Konya.
Some 34 years later, Jalal al-Din Rumi met the wandering dervish Shams al-Tabrizi, who then became his spiritual mentor and had a decisive effect on his mystical path.
Today, Rumi is considered one of the spiritual masters and greatest poets in the history of mankind; his controversial poems echo in universities and art schools around the world, especially in the United States.
FINE PEARL STUDIOS is assigned by Qatar Foundation to execute this project, together with the renowned Indian Director Muzaffar Ali, known to have dedicated a long time of his life studying the character and the heritage of Rumi, and the Oscar winner American screenwriter David Ward.
Rumi feature film is the first attempt by a Qatari production company with a mission to produce and spread high quality cinematography work, and compete internationally. FINE PEARL STUDIOS aims to partner with distribution companies and studios around the world, especially in Europe and the Unites States. The newly established company is also working on other creative and innovative ideas to be manifested in cinematic productions distributed worldwide.
Rumi has been my dream to build a bridge of love and understanding between the East and the West. I have tried to bring together artists of the world, who think with their heart, to be part of this journey to create a poem on celluloid much the way Rumi did with words, with the conviction that the language of moving images can truly bring about brotherhood of man and end all armed conflicts from the face of this earth as predicted by D.W. Griffiths the father of American cinema nearly hundred years ago. I am deeply inspired by Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missneds vision and humanity to feel this spirit and support the project; I am also honored by the confidence invested in me by my own government in the initial support to the project, says Muzaffar Ali.
Screen writer and American Director David Ward said: I am greatly honored that Fine Pearl Studios would entrust me with the story of one of the historys greatest poets and philosophers. Rumis universal vision speaks to all cultures and is as inspiring today as it was in his lifetime.
FINE PEARL STUDIOS Executive Director Mahmoud Bouneb said: “This new venture in the cinema movie production is the illustration of Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missneds vision to support and promote creative work. Moreover the projects that serve to bridge the gap between cultures, project the true image of the Islamic heritage, and provide a platform for creative film-making talents.
Bouneb expressed his appreciation for Her Highness support to this project, and added: The success of this venture strongly depends on the sincere collaboration and joint efforts with the international cinema community, to ensure the best financing and distribution conditions for FINE PEARL STUDIOS works.