2 Mar – Adapted from the novel of National Laureate, the late Datuk Abdullah Hussain, "Imam" is produced and directed by Mior Hashim Manap. "When I read this novel around 2013, I was attracted by the thoughts brought by Abdullah until it made me want to produce the movie "Imam". I was motivated to bring his story to the big screen," said the filmmaker.
"Among the interesting essences in this novel is the depiction of Malays, in addition to the role of the mosque which functioned only as a place for prayers, while it has many other functions," he added. At the gala premiere of the film which took place at Panggung Sari, Istana Budaya, earlier this week, actor Faizal Hussein shared that he had to master the Arabic language to prepare for his role of Haji Syamsuri.
"I practiced speaking in Arabic every day with a dialogue teacher throughout the filming period. Additionally, we were also involved in an Arabic language class with him before entering the filming set. This class was held several times at the Al-Kahfi Pictures office. "What was most beneficial was that our dialogue teacher was also involved in the production of this film so it is easy for us to meet him at any time on the filming set," the actor said. Faizal has high hopes that the message which the director wants to convey through this film reaches the audience, especially the young generation. "Imam" tells the story of the struggles of an imam, Haji Mihad, played by Dato' M Nasir, who wants to bring about reforms in his village, but faces opposition from several residents, including his own brother, Haji Syamsuri. Besides Faizal and M Nasir, the movie also stars Vanidah Imran, Natasha Charmaine, Jalaluddin Hassan, Omar Ibrahim, Sophia Ibrahim and many others. Produced by Al-Kahfi Pictures, "Imam" opens in cinemas today.