Filming of the $150-million English-language movie is set to start in 2011 with American Barrie Osborne as its producer, Qatari media company Alnoor Holdings said on Sunday.The film -- in which the Prophet would not be depicted, in accordance with Islamic rules -- is in development and talks are being held with studios, talent agencies and distributors in the United States and Britain, Alnoor said.
Osborne told Reuters the film would be an “international epic production aimed at bridging cultures.” “The film will educate people about the true meaning of Islam,” he said. Alnoor said it wanted to attract the “best international talent” to star in the movie. Raja Sharif, vice president of international projects at Alnoor, told Reuters in a telephone interview he expected to conclude deals next year. He said the company was not interested in large studios but was targeting distributors, sales agents and possibly post-production and production facilities.
