DOHA: A multi-million dollar epic movie in English on Prophet Muhammed (Peace Be Upon Him) is in the making on the initiative of a Qatar-based media entertainment company, Alnoor Holdings.

Internationally renowned producer-director Barrie Osborne, with such films as The Lord of the Rings and The Matrix to his credit, has signed up as producer.

The project was announced yesterday at an event here attended by Osborne, along with renowned Doha-based Islamic scholar Dr Yousuf Al Qaradawi and Ahmed Al Hashemi, chairman of Alnoor Holdings.

“I am inspired by this opportunity to bring such epic entertainment to the world and excited by the chance to inspire and enlighten by bringing the story of one of history’s greatest figures to audiences around the world,” said Osborne.

Qaradawi will lead the research and serve as technical consultant on the film.

An initial budget of $150m has been set aside for the film, which is financed by private investors and the Alnoor Fund, set up by Alnoor Holdings.

The Alnoor Fund is established with an initial capitalisation of $200m to produce international films in English appealing to both Muslim and non-Muslim audiences.

The film, which is currently in the development stage, will draw upon the best international talent. Alnoor Holdings are in discussions with studios, talent agencies and distributors in the US and UK and it is anticipated that production will commence in 2011.

Al Hashemi stressed the importance of making a film on the Prophet for the global audience. “There are more than 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide and Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. The story of the Prophet has great contemporary relevance for Muslims and non-Muslims alike and Alnoor is delighted to announce it as our first project.”

Alnoor Holdings (“Alnoor” or “Group”) was formally launched on Saturday with the aim of taking advantage of the growing economic importance of audio-visual entertainment and becoming the most dominant international media and entertainment player.