Journey to Mecca: In the Footsteps of Ibn Battuta

Journey to Mecca: In the Footsteps of Ibn Battuta is a dramatized documentary with elements of a biography harting the first real-life journey made by the Islamic scholar Ibn Battuta from his native Morocco to Mecca for the Hajj in 1325. The film was published on January 7, 2009 in IMAX theaters.

Production
The film's lead actor, Chems Eddine Zinoun, died in a car accident the year prior to the film's release. He was born in Casablanca (Morocco) in the year 1980 and a student of ballet and piano. Chems portrays Ibn Battuta with a depth of feeling that has stayed with those who have viewed the film.

Cast

 * Chems-Eddine Zinoune as Ibn Battuta
 * Hassam Ghancy
 * Nabil Elouahabi
 * Nadim Sawalha

Crew
Dominic Cummingham-Reid Jonathan Barker Bruce Neibaur Tahir Shah
 * Director: Bruce Neibaur
 * Producers: Taran Davies
 * Writers: Carl Knutson

Reception
text

Endorsement
The film was officially endorsed by Saudi Arabian Prince Turki bin Faisal Al Saud al-Faisal, who wrote, "Not only does the film represent an accurate and respectful portrayal of Islam, it provides a wonderful opportunity for Muslims to celebrate a revered hero in Ibn Battuta and to honor our faith." [1]

Source Citation

 * 1) McNeil Jr., Donald G. (2009-02-13). "The Long, Dusty Trek Toward Tolerance". New York Times.