Poetry in motion

IN THE South of Morocco, in the ancient city of Marrakech, a huge mass of dust dominates the area. Over hundreds of metres, distant voices clank with swords and one could imagine that there is a real battle on. But this is just the screening of the fourth round of the Arab series 'Clash On The Sand.'

The series is based on His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai's poems on the old Arab way of life. It depicts a story of two Arab tribes from the early 18th century during the Ottoman invasion and stars Tim Hassan and Saba Mubarak in lead roles.

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The budget of the series is likely to reach 6 million dollars, though Ahmad Al Shaikh, Shaikh Mohammed's Press Officer, says this is not yet final.

More than 40 actors and 1000 supporting actors are part of the series, along with 100 Spanish horses.

Ahmad Al Shaikh has supervised the drama series from its inception and recently arrived in Marrakech to follow up on the screening of the fourth round. He is assists the artists and addresses individual concerns.

The series is being produced by Hatem Ali who is widely experienced with more than ten years in the film industry. He appreciates that this is one of the best Arab Television series of all time and the responsibility entrusted in him is not an easy one. From the nature of content, to art and visual effects, putting up an action-packed series that depicts love and war is quite tough.

"We don't pretend to be a 100 per cent perfect in everything but it's our duty to avoid all the inaccuracies through all the required technical work, right make-up and clothing, art in photography and real battle scenes that are coherent with His Highness Shaikh Mohammed's poems," he said.

Ahmed Ibrahim Al Ahmed, the director of photography and lighting, says they have the best imaging equipment, lighting and advanced techniques.

A Spanish team helped in the designing of the battlefield and participated in the battles. The Syrian-born Hisham Kavarnch has helped in the toning of the language to suit the ancient nomadic Arab dialects.

The series will also feature many Arab drama stars like Mohammed Abdel Moneim, Mona, Asif, Abdrahman Abu Kassim and Muhannad Al Hayyat.

PHOTOS: WAM