Countering the narrative of Islamophobia and highlighting the teachings of Islam and the good-ness the religion propagates will be a key focus of the new alliance between Pakistan-based ‘Ansari Films’ and Turkish production house ‘Tekden Films’. This was discussed during one of the many meetings held during the recent Turkey visit by leading actors Adnan Siddiqui, Humayun Saeed, and producers Dr. Kashif Ansari and Dr. Junaid Ali Shah—the people at the helm of the Pakistani part of the collaboration.
The delegation met senior ministers in the Turkish government to further brief them about the upcoming series ‘Turki Lala’ which will soon hit the floors under the collective banner of Ansari Films and Tekden Films.
“Plans are afoot to create content that breaks the myth surrounding Muslims which, unfortunately, has led to unnecessary hatred towards the community. We want people to know that Islam is all about purity of thought and deeds through our future productions. We had a detailed dialogue on the same with the communication director of Presidency Fahrettin Altun,” said Siddiqui.
Among the other highlights of the three-day delegation was the historic epic series on ‘Turki Lala’ who is considered to be one of the most glorious Muslim nationalists to have assisted Turkey during the Balkan War and World War I. “Turkey has very graciously extended its cooperation to us when we start shooting the series. ‘Turki Lala’ is a formidable figure in Pak-Turk relations that go back centuries. The program will be a tribute to his heroics as well the great friendship between the two nations,” shared Saeed.
During their three-day visit, the Pakistani delegation met several Turkish dignitaries including Governor of Istanbul Ali Yerlikaya, Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Youth and Sports Minister M. Muharrem Kasapoglu.
The recently forged partnership is being seen as an impetus to strengthen the close diplomatic ties between the two countries, extending the relations to the entertainment industry as well. According to the Ansari-Tekden team, this will start a new chapter in the cross-border talent exchange including actors and writers and more programs on popular names in history.
