UAE | Heritage and Culture
Latest Banderas movie counting on Arab help
Hollywood heartthrob and action hero Antonio Banderas denied he has received death threats for his project about the last Arab king in Andalusia, Abu Abdullah Al Sagheer.
- By Eman Mohammed, Abu Dhabi Deputy Editor
- Published: 23:53 October 10, 2008
- Image Credit: Abdul Rahman/Gulf News
- Antonio Bndares and with Melaine Griffith arrive at the red carpet during the opening of the Middle East Intenational film festival Abu Dhabi 2008 at Emirates Palace in abu Dhabi last night.
Abu Dhabi: Hollywood heartthrob and action hero Antonio Banderas denied he has received death threats for his project about the last Arab king in Andalusia, Abu Abdullah Al Sagheer.
"My life is not threatened. Actually that's why I am here," he said, speaking of his plan to do the movie. "I want to count on Arabs to do the film," he said.
In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, Banderas said, "I want to pass on a positive message about this beautiful culture, which I had witnessed closely in Morocco, through my works. I have a tremendous respect for it," he said, speaking about Islam and the Arabs.
"I think we have a good chance to show the common elements between our cultures," said the actor.
According to reports, Banderas received threats after announcing his project about the last Muslim king who handed the keys of of the city of Granada to Ferdinand and Isabel in 1492, ending the period of Islamic rule in Spain.
He said, "I don't want to do it by my self. It is very important for me to go hand in hand with Arabs with this," he said.
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This is not the first time Banderas has stirred controversy. He was earlier threatened by Basque Separatist Group ETA when he condemned the murder of a Spanish councillor.
He had to also give up plans to play Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, after a huge campaign by Greeks.
Banderas earlier took part in the The Circle conference, the second annual international film conference organised by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, on Wed-nesday night.
In 1999 Banderas portrayed Bin Fadlan, the Muslim scholar who visited Scandinavia 1,000 years ago as a Caliph messenger in the movie The 13th Warrior.
Cultural respect
Banderas is known for his support for Arab and Muslim culture which he reiterated to the participants in the conference. The Spanish star is also returning to his home town, Malaga, to start a new era in his career after a long stint in Hollywood.
"When I first went to the US in 1992 I always thought I would go back home and complete my career there, but always got new chances in Hollywood," he said.
One of his projects is to make a film about the Spanish revolution with young Spanish talent.
"Going back home is like trying to find myself again, but this time as a very professional filmmaker to do something Hollywood did not allow me to do.
"I will experience it in my home town and in my own language," he said.
With this move Banderas may be saying good-bye to Hollywood.
Next January Banderas will start shooting his new movie Hambros Daughter in Mexico based on a novel of the same name. "By March we will be done, then I will be proud to get the financing and support to start the story of Abu Abdullah because it is part of my story and I'm part of the mission," he said.
He welcomed the idea of making a film in the UAE. "I know there is a company that will be promoting movies here. I am absolutely open to do movies here," he said.
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