“The Little Prisoner” … a Saudi novel is set to be adapted into a movie
With the richness and variety of Saudi fiction, there is a growing interest in drawing inspiration from these works for film adaptations. One such work is Saudi author Hani Mulla’s 2020 novel “The Little Prisoner,” which is transitioning from page to screen. The most intriguing aspect of this story is its subtitle: “Saudis in Russian Prisons.”
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Al Mulla described the novel as “a realistic Saudi narrative set between the 1980s and 1990s, focusing on a teenage protagonist. He is swept along in waves of mobilization, and his circumstances are no better than those of many of his peers during that time. The novel uncovers the brainwashing of young individuals who are drawn to conflict zones, revealing hidden agendas, cross-border loyalties, and organizations intent on undermining regional stability to serve their own interests, all under the guise of Islam.”
Regarding the Egyptian screenwriter and critic Rami Abdel Razek, who is currently adapting the novel into a screenplay, Mulla expressed his surprise and excitement that Razek chose this story. “I clearly recall our first meeting at the Saudi Film Festival, where we engaged in an insightful discussion about the novel, and he shared his eagerness to adapt it into a screenplay. He has indeed begun this process, investing significant effort into developing the characters, settings, and writing the script,” Mulla shared.
Russian Prison
When asked why he chose a Russian prison as the story’s focal point, Mulla replied, “Because I witnessed the intricacies of the case, the secrets and complexities involved, as well as the harrowing journey the protagonist endured through the hardships and harsh realities of these prisons. The flicker of hope for his homeland and family remained alive in his young heart.”
He added, “This journey through Russian prisons encapsulated many poignant moments, along with instances of fear and terror, including the extreme suffering the young man encountered until the dawn of freedom finally emerged from behind the bars.”
Novel cover (Middle East)
Main Character
Concerning the attributes of the main character, Mulla explained that he is “a young man who grew up as an orphan; his father passed away before his birth, which led him to be raised by his uncles. His mother took great care of him, and his spirit of challenge encouraged him to explore the outside world.” He further stated, “This sense of adventure drove him to break away from his family framework to seek new experiences and challenges, but bad luck led him into the embrace of these fostering societies, becoming fodder for their battles, raised by the customs of his upbringing and influenced by their ideologies since childhood.”
Mulla emphasizes that this group was taught to undervalue the importance of family, homeland, and society, indoctrinated with the notion of an Islamic caliphate and global jihad. Returning to the discussion of the protagonist, Mulla reveals, “He possesses a positive, transparent, and loyal personality, but he lacks logical reasoning, which makes him and others like him susceptible to being embers in those conflicts. What fascinates me most about this character, who will also make appearances in future works, is the transformation he undergoes after his experiences.”
Mulla elaborates that individuals who emerge from these prisons generally fall into three categories: the majority, the minority, or those who fare better than before, and the heroine of the story is one of the few who shared her narrative globally, serving as an example for those who survived the upheaval of ideas.
Film Dimension
On what inspired the adaptation of his novel into a film, Mulla stated, “This novel is centered on intellectual consciousness. Adapting it for the screen could make it one of the most significant works, serving the goals of national and social peace and intellectual security, provoking audiences to reflect on events and ideas. From a cultural and artistic viewpoint, this film holds promise and is categorized as a prison journey film, characterized by mystery, suspense, challenge, pain, and adventure.”
Al-Mulla, who serves as the executive director of the Saudi Arabian Film Association, told Cinema Eye: “The novel explores a variety of settings that are notably distinct in the cinematic realm, depicting scenes from local prisons. These details will be presented in a film or cinematic work, showcasing the design of the locations used during filming, alongside the diverse types of prisons the hero encounters, ranging from ancient Caesar-era facilities to modern constructions and prisons from various cultures, spanning several cities. Artistically, filming this work will contribute significantly to the Saudi film landscape, tackling themes and narratives rarely explored that possess great humanitarian value.”
Novels and Movies
It is noteworthy that the Film Commission is currently hosting an Artistic Residency Program (Adapting Saudi Novels into Screenplays), which will continue until the end of September next year. This qualitative program seeks to highlight Saudi novels through their transformation into screenplays and offers an inspiring and stimulating creative environment where participants can concentrate fully on their literary and artistic projects. The program provides professional and personal guidance, giving participants the opportunity to collaborate with literary and film experts to create competitive film scenes at both local and international levels.
“The Little Prisoner”: A Saudi Novel Set for Cinematic Adaptation
The Evolution of Saudi Literature into Film
The rich tapestry of Saudi fiction is gaining international attention, paving the way for cinematic adaptations. One such compelling work is Hani Mulla’s 2020 novel The Little Prisoner, which is making its transition from the written page to the silver screen. A standout feature of this narrative is its subtitle: “Saudis in Russian Prisons,” hinting at the profound themes explored within.
Overview of “The Little Prisoner”
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Mulla described The Little Prisoner as a realistic portrayal of life in Saudi Arabia during the 1980s and 1990s. The story follows a teenage boy whose journey is marked by the manipulation of young minds towards conflict zones. The novel encapsulates experiences of brainwashing, political agendas obscured under veils of loyalty and Islamic tenets, as it seeks to undermine regional security.
The Adaptation Journey
The screenplay adaptation is in the capable hands of Egyptian screenwriter and critic Rami Abdel Razek. Mulla expressed his delight about Razek’s interest in transforming the novel into a cinematic work: “Our first meeting at the Saudi Film Festival sparked an engaging conversation about the story, leading to this exciting adaptation.” Razek’s dedication to fleshing out the characters and settings affirms his commitment to honoring the novel’s essence.
Inside Russian Prisons
When questioned about selecting a Russian prison as a narrative focal point, Mulla provided insight: “The details of the case—its secrets and labyrinths—along with the protagonist’s emotional and physical journey through adversity and isolation added depth to the storytelling.” This journey, filled with poignant moments, fear, and suffering, ultimately showcases a flicker of hope as the protagonist yearns for freedom and connection with his homeland.
The Protagonist: A Glimpse into His Life
The protagonist of The Little Prisoner is a young man, orphaned at birth, raised by relatives while his mother nurtured his spirit of adventure. As Mulla portrays, “This feeling of being an outsider fuels his quest for challenges, but fate intervenes, thrusting him into environments that exploit his youthful zeal.”
- Background: Orphaned hero raised by extended family.
- Character Traits: Positive, transparent, loyal, yet lacking logic.
- Transformation: His experiences lead to significant evolution throughout the story.
Thematic Elements and Societal Reflections
Mulla emphasizes the disturbing indoctrination faced by youth in these societies, where family and cultural values are diminished under radical ideologies of jihad and an Islamic caliphate. The Little Prisoner serves not only as a narrative about a boy’s journey but also as a critique of societal conditions influencing youth.
Classification of Prison Experiences
Al-Mulla categorizes those emerging from prisons into three distinct groups:
- The Majority: Resilient survivors, sharing their stories.
- The Minority: Individuals who have escaped with better circumstances.
- The Illusion of Scarcity: Those who perceive their experiences as benign compared to the horrors faced by others.
Film Adaptation: Exploring New Dimensions
Mulla believes that adapting the novel into a film will amplify cultural and intellectual discourse. “It serves not only artistic goals but also promotes national and social peace. The film captures a prison narrative, laden with suspense, pain, and adventure,” he expresses. The director’s vision will revolve around different prison settings, contributing to a diverse cinematic backdrop.
Cinematic Features to Anticipate
According to Mulla, the film will explore various locations, each uniquely designed to represent the protagonist’s adversities:
- Prisons with historical and cultural significance.
- Modern and culturally innovative prison designs.
- Scenes inspired by real-life Saudi prisons.
Supporting Initiatives for Saudi Literature
The adaptation of The Little Prisoner coincides with the Saudi Film Commission’s ongoing initiative: an Artistic Residency Program aimed at adapting Saudi novels into screenplays. This program nurtures creativity while providing participants with opportunities to collaborate with literary and film experts.
| Program Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Goals | Promote Saudi literature through film adaptations. |
| Structure | A creative environment for focusing on literary projects. |
| Support | Guidance from experts in literature and film sectors. |
| Program Duration | Ends September next year. |
The Future of Saudi Cinema
With The Little Prisoner set to become a significant film, it will mark a pivotal moment in Saudi cinema, showcasing the depth of the region’s narratives while pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling. The transition of literature to film not only highlights the evolving entertainment landscape but also strengthens cultural dialogues on sensitive topics like youth indoctrination and resilience in the face of adversity.
