TEHRAN -- The 39th Montreal World Film Festival will open with the world premiere of “Muhammad (S), the Messenger of God”, renowned Iranian director Majid Majidi’s latest film about the childhood of the Prophet of Islam (S), the organizers announced on Tuesday.

A frequent visitor to the MWFF, Majidi will accompany his film to Montreal along with some main members of his cast and crew.

“The Festival is very proud to be able to host the premiere of this important work, a film of very high artistry aimed at a very wide audience,” said MWFF President Serge Losique.

“There have been many movies dealing with key figures of the world’s great religions, including Jesus, Moses and Buddha, but this is only the second epic screen treatment of Islam’s founder,” he added.

With a budget of over $50 million, the 171-minute movie is the most expensive film ever made in Iran in five years.

Renowned international craftsmen and artists such as director of photography Vittorio Storaro, editor Roberto Perpignani, special effects designer Scott E. Anderson, makeup designer Gianetto De Rossi and Indian composer A. R. Rahman collaborated in the production.

The 39th Montreal World Film Festival will be held from August 27 to September 7.

Photo: Mehdi Pakdel plays the role of Abu Talib, the uncle of Prophet Muhammad (S) and the father of Imam Ali (AS), in a scene from “Muhammad (S), the Messenger of God”.

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