Sheena Ackrim Makes Her Mark on the World Map of Cinema
Unveiling 2 Epic Feature Films Set to Raise Legendary Figures from Arab History to International Acclaim
Entitled “Shadow King” and “Epic Voyager”; the two pioneering film projects are currently undergoing the process of creative development into two separate Epic feature films. Sheena Ackrim – a Scottish film maker - is the creator, writer, and producer of both films.
The films portray the life of these two men that decided to make their dreams a reality even though the path ahead promised danger, uncertainty, or heartbreak. “Shadow King” pays tribute to the unforgettable life of Imru-al-Qais - the earliest known Arabic Poet.- and explores his tragic journey to discover his soul mate. The travels of Ibn Battuta which spanned the equivalent of 44 countries today are memorialized in “Epic Voyager” to duly-honor the most famed Berber of all time.
Both projects came as a result of a collaborative effort by a team of uniquely-dedicated and visionary professionals from the UAE, Morocco, Jordan, Lebanon, the US, and the United Kingdom. The films have so far received overwhelming feedback from leading Hollywood Studios in addition to various other media outlets and TV stations in the US and Europe. This is a reassuring sign that the world is ready for Arabic Epics, in the genre of award winning productions like Brave Heart, Gladiator, and Titanic.
“My sole purpose in these Epic tales is to gift the Arab Nation in the same way that my own beloved Scottish Nation was gifted with the film Brave Heart. For not only does this invoke pride to all the inhabitants of Arab countries; but also beyond these realms. Moreover, the films serve to educate the youth of today, to remember their ancestral past in a picturesque way that will last for decades and centuries to come. I, for one, was personally touched in this way with Scotland's Hero “William Wallace”. Not only is he now remembered by the Scots, but also the entire world with great fondness”, says Writer/Producer Sheena Ackrim.
Commenting on Ackrim’s projects, Damon Lane, an Acquisition Consultant/Producer from New York, USA “They have a lot of potential and are truly epic in scope”
From his end, Professor Hasan Al Naboodah, Historian, United Arab Emirates University commented: “Both of these two projects, “Shadow King” and “Epic Voyager”, illustrate the adventures of two great historical figures. The lives and achievements of these figures will be an inspiration to both Arabs and Westerners alike``
Ackrim continues; “Imru-al-Qais is to the Arab nation what William Shakespeare is to the western world and Shadow King is the incredible true life story of this one mans rise to heroism, not by choice by the will of destiny. The untold Arabic legend. ``Ibn Battuta is globally revered for his pioneering contributions to geography, history and Mankind and Epic Voyager is a dynamic tale of this great man’s unyielding historical vision, which is an inspiration to all. A marvelous brave explorer, mankind should never forget!! The Incandescent Gem of Arabia
Ackrim and her team are in negotiations with investors for one of the film projects and are keen on securing financing for both projects. To that effect, she said: “We are seeking interested parties who are looking to be involved in these exciting and unprecedented movie projects. And we would be privileged if the Arab Nations themselves could personally be involved in both these projects. It is fundamentally their historical legends that we as a multi-cultural team are developing to then be told to all Kingdoms globally.”
“Epic Voyager” and “Shadow King” are produced in collaboration with Crimson Thistle Inc Media and Entertainment. The content for their screenplays was researched by their writer with the help and ongoing collaboration of the Sheikh Zayed Center for Culture and Heritage , Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, Juma Al Majid Center for Culture and Heritage -Dubai, U A E University- Al Ain, Zayed University – Dubai, American University of Shargah- Shargah, Pearl Museum, Deira- Dubai, Dubai Museum- Dubai, Dubai Heritage and Diving Village- Dubai and Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding- Dubai.
