Muhammad: The Messenger of God

In "Muhammad: The Messenger of God," Iranian director Majid Majidi offers a rare glimpse into the early years of Islam's most revered figure through the lens of his childhood. This ambitious project represents Iran's largest-scale film production and serves as the first installment in a planned trilogy delving into the life of the Prophet. The majority of filming takes place at an immense set constructed in Qom, near Tehran, while a few scenes are shot in South Africa to capture the appropriate landscape. Announced in 2011 and completed by 2013, this historical drama boasts stunning cinematography by Vittorio Storaro and an evocative score by A.R. Rahman. Despite not making the shortlist for Best Foreign Language Film at the 88th Academy Awards, "Muhammad: The Messenger of God" remains a compelling and visually striking exploration of the formative years of one of the world's most influential religious figures.