Dubai Studio City partners with Desert Door Productions to host screening of 'Journey to Mecca'

To be shown on April 1 at the Grand Cinemas in Ibn Batutta Mall, Journey to Mecca is an IMAX feature-length docu-drama filmed in Saudi Arabia and Morocco in both English and Arabic.

The film tells the amazing story of Ibn Battuta, the legendary 14th century traveller, explorer and writer, and paints an unforgettable picture of Islamic civilization, culminating in his first Hajj.

The story also offers a close-up look at the contemporary Hajj, a pilgrimage to the Holy City of Mecca.

Jamal Al Sharif, Executive Director of Dubai Studio City, said:

"In supporting such depiction of historical canvasses, Dubai Studio City aims to promote a greater understanding of our culture. Our support is also in line with our strategy to encourage the regional film industry, and offer emerging filmmakers an opportunity to present their work to a niche audience."

Produced by Cosmic Pictures and SK Films (in association with National Geographic), and co-produced by Kuwait/Dubai-based Desert Door Productions and Eagle Vision Media Group KSCC, Journey to Mecca marks the first and only time an IMAX camera has captured an aerial view of the Hajj from a helicopter hovering 200 feet above the Holy City of Mecca.

Also for the first time an IMAX team has been admitted into the most sacred sanctuary of Islam - the Grand Mosque. Backed by the support of The King Abdulaziz Public Library and The King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, 85 individual permits were issued for a team that comprised members from over 30 countries to embark on the largest and most ambitious documentary to be produced in the region.

Dr Fahed Al Rashed, Chairman of Desert Door Productions (DDP), said, "Journey to Mecca has great human, religious and historical dimensions. We believe this regional film has a significant global dimension and vividly echoes our mission."

Dima Alansari, Deputy General Manager and Executive Producer of DDP, said, "To me, Journey to Mecca is a lifetime project that has combined the energy of so many people who have come together to send a message of peace. As an on-set co-producer, I was delighted to witness the filming at Morocco. I am looking forward to the responses of the Arab and the entire Muslim community. I am sure they will like it as a true representation of our culture, history and religion that will cut across generations in its appeal."

Narrated by Oscar award winning British actor, Ben Kingsley (Gandhi, Schindler's List), Journey to Mecca stars Chems Eddine Zinoun (The Objective) as Ibn Battuta, and Hassam Ghancy (Traitor, Rendition) as the Highwayman.