A Saudi actor has expressed his disappointment over what he called the “unresponsiveness” of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (the Hai'a) toward his planned TV series which “will tell the truth” about the Hai'a which is often embroiled in controversies. In an interview with Saudi Gazette, Mohammed Ali Al-Zahrani said the Hai'a seemed to have overlooked his letter explaining the idea and objectives of his 30-episode television serial. “It has now been two months since I sent them a letter in which I clarified what I wanted to say through this series,” Al-Zahrani said. He added that he personally talked on the phone to Abdul-mohsen Al-Qifari, spokesman for the Hai'a, who showed his appreciation and encouraged Al-Zahrani to go ahead. “In fact, I was expecting more than words of praise. I thought they would support me in any way that they could, simply because I'm not against them personally nor will my work be.” However, he added, the Hai'a is like any other institution that has its shortcomings which must be highlighted along with its positive role in order to preserve the objectivity of my work,” said Al-Zahrani. He claimed that the Hai'a did not even bother to draw a red line which he could not cross. “They totally ignored my attempts to talk to them about the work. I have sent them text messages on mobile and emails, but all attempts to contact them were in vain,” the Saudi actor said. Al-Zahrani said he will depend on his own capabilities to highlight the “importance of the Hai'a and its relationship to Saudi society.” He added: “I thought the Hai'a would show support at all levels but they did not even respond to my letter.” The work will be a costly production and Al-Zahrani is pinning hopes on local funding. “I would like to have support from either Prince Al-Waleed Bin Talal or Al-Waleed Bin Ibrahim, head of MBC Group, since the work requires a large budget, estimated from one million to SR1.5 million. However I will start with my small resources and with the help of my friends,” he said. Al-Zahrani said his as yet unnamed TV series will suggest ways in which the Hai'a can do a better job. With its two main characters, the series is expected to produce a considerable reaction from audiences. “Most of the faults of the Hai'a occur from individuals who are a bit conservative and treat people harshly,” Al-Zahrani said.This is going to be characterized to focus on the negative side of the Hai'a, which he believes would serve “some purpose”. Another moderate character will show how Hai'a staff should behave, in a way that “strengthens his ties withcommunity members most of whom are eager to help promote virtue,” he added. Al-Zahrani said there will be women appearing in the episodes, but he did not specify their role. Saudi Gazette tried to reach the Hai'a official Al-Qifari for comments on Al-Zahrani's claim, but there was no response from him to several calls and short messages.
