A blockbuster in the making
Manama : Ready to be telecast by Ramadan, Bahrain’s latest television series with an impressive cast of 20 leading stars from the country and across the GCC, is being shot at different locations in the kingdom.
Called 10 Sins, the series is produced by Qahtan Al Qahtani, who acted in Bahrain’s first feature film, The Barrier, and has since gone on to become a household name in Bahrain with lead roles on stage, TV and radio.
“I want tv drama in Bahrain to be well established,” Qahtan Al Qahtani told DT News on the sets of the series being shot at Busaiteen yesterday.
The 30 episode series, written by prominent Bahraini writer Hussain al Mahdi, illustrates the aftermath of divorce and its effect on the children as they grow.
“I want society to look at this and not only feel sorry by know how to handle it,” Qahtan Al Qahtani remarked.
Qahtan Al Qahtani, who was the Head of the production for Bahrain TV for 17 years during the 80s and 90s, revealed this series is his first ever private production. The renowned actor took to the stage in 1973 at the age of 19 and went on to graduate as an actor and director of the Higher Institute for Dramatic Arts, Kuwait, in 1978.
“Bahrain is known for its talented people in heritage, fine art and theatre and now it’s time for tv drama,” he said.
The story outlines the struggle of a wealthy girl who is in love with her cousin while married to a man of her father’s choice. The Director of 10 Sins, Ali Al Ali said this is a theme he has not worked within his decade-long career as a director. “I’m using a new perspective in dealing with drama,” he said.
Two weeks into filming with the main stars and 100 plus supporting actors from across the GCC, Production Supervisor Khaled Al Shaer said the scope of the series goes beyond Bahrain, “This is a GCC series, it represents the talents of the GCC,” he added
The cast includes stars, mostly from Bahrain, and Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The Executive Director, Sound Engineer and System Director are from Syria and the Director of Photography and Focus Puller is from Armenia.
With over 14 years of experience in television, radio and TV shows, Khaled Al Shaer said this is the first time he has been exposed to such a diverse cast and crew.
“This series is different because we are breaking psychological taboos,” Khaled Al Shaer told DT News. “It’s new, it’s fresh, it’s different.’’
Producer Qahtan Al Qahtani and Director Ali Al Ali mutually agreed upon the concept for the series in December 2017.
“Ali Al Ali was waiting for a project that was unique and I told him I was ready to finance and support as long as I had his talent’’ said Qahtan Al Qahtani.
Once the script was done, the production began. “Now we have an army of staff working’’ he said.
“We want to roll our cameras on this island again,’’ Qahtan Al Qahtani adding that he wanted to encourage Bahraini talent in television drama. “We want to show people what we have in Bahrain and also promote tourism,” said Qahtan Al Qahtani who chooses to shoot in various locations such as Durrat al Bahrain, Riffa Views, Reef Island and Amwaj Island.
The team is in communication with TV channels across the GCC to air the series. “Our main target is Bahrain TV who has shown a lot of interest, support and cooperation,’’ said Qahtan Al Qahtani who went on to say that “Bahrain will be put on the map of TV production.’’
Iraqi actress, Rawan Mahdi who plays a wealthy married girl in love with her cousin said she has become attached to the character. “She’s a victim of life just like any other human being, she’s struggling,’’ said
Rawan Mahdi who has been in the Kuwaiti film industry for nearly 3 years revealed it is her first time filming in Bahrain and a varied cast.
Her co-star Sauood Bu Shihri who plays her forbidden lover-cousin said the theme is exciting. “I love the vision,’’ he said.
Qahtan Al Qahtani said profits from the series will be used to fund a new project slated for September this year.
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