JOURNEY TO MECCA
In the footsteps of Ibn Battuta
Dalai
Lama endorses new IMAX film, 'Journey to Mecca'
Aerial view of the sacred Hajj
captured for the very first time
'Journey to Mecca', a
documentary feature just released at IMAX Theatre Darling Harbour, has received
endorsements from leaders from many religions including the Dalai Lama.
Telling
the incredible story of Ibn Battuta, the greatest explorer of the Old World, Journey
to Mecca follows his first pilgrimage between 1325 and 1326 from Tangier to Mecca.
His perilous journey resonates with adventure while presenting an unforgettable
picture of Islamic civilization during the 14th century, culminating with Ibn
Battuta's first Hajj. The story is book-ended by a close-up look at the contemporary
Hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca that draws three million Muslims from around the world.
"'Journey
to Mecca' is a wonderful way for people of all races and religions to experience,
possibly the greatest expedition on earth," explains Afroz Ali, Founder of
the Al-Ghazzali Centre.
"The Hajj is a once in a lifetime
journey that most will never experience - this IMAX experience is the closest
many of us will ever get to this great pilgrimage."
It
is the duty of every Muslim to visit Mecca at least once in their lifetime, if
possible. The filmmakers behind Journey to Mecca felt it their duty to tell the
story of Ibn Battuta, largely unknown in the West, and to explain the Hajj in
order to create a bridge between the Muslim and Western worlds and develop an
understanding of its ultimate purpose - Peace.
'Journey to
Mecca' marks the first and only time an IMAX® camera has been admitted into
the most sacred sanctuary of Islam - the Grand Mosque in Mecca. As The Hajj is
strictly for Muslims only, the directors were required to train Muslim cameramen
to use the IMAX® cameras to allow them to film in the space.
The
narrative drama was filmed in Morocco by the sea at Agadir, doubling for Tangier,
circa 1325, and in desert locations near the Algerian border where the production
assembled the longest and one of the largest caravans ever filmed - featuring
camels, horses, donkeys to sheep and goats in addition to hundreds of extras in
period costume.
Moving to Ouarzazate, the epic picture shot
on plains lying between the Atlas Mountains, on a man-made river replicating the
Nile, at Bedouin encampments, on sand dunes and at an oasis, on sets in studios
including a hand-carved Cairo library, and in colourful souks, completing principal
photography in the biggest and most meaningful set of all, a historical recreation
of Mecca in 1326 where 450 extras performed the Hajj under the tutelage of the
local Imam, and other leading experts on the Hajj. Altogether, over 4,500 extras
appeared in the film.
'Journey to Mecca' will take viewers
on an incredible voyage through the dynamic landscapes of Saudi Arabia and Morocco
as they experience a unique cultural story that is sure to resonate long after
they leave the theatre.
www.imax.com.au
'Journey to Mecca' is now open at IMAX.
