Emirati Screenwriter Mohammed Hassan Ahmed Advocates For Authentic Storytelling In Art

Emirati author and screenwriter Mohammed Hassan Ahmed believes that true global recognition in art stems from creating works that reflect one's own identity and unique experiences, rather than imitating others. Ahmed shared these insights during a session titled "In Search of the Human," part of the "Behind the Scenes" initiative by Sharjah Public Libraries at the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair.

With over 22 years in cinema and television, Ahmed's films have garnered 33 international awards for Best Screenplay and Best Film. He discussed the distinction between storytelling and screenwriting, stating, "We tell stories every day — even describing pain to a doctor is storytelling. Life is one long story made of countless smaller ones. But turning a story into a screenplay is a distinct process."

Ahmed explained that screenwriting involves collaboration within a creative team, balancing artistic expression with professional demands. The writer’s role concludes when the script enters production. He illustrated this by saying, "Where a police officer might see an abandoned car as a violation, a writer could see it as a spark for scenes and stories."

He emphasised that every screenplay should begin with the character and expand to their world, capturing not only the individual but their surroundings. Simplicity, according to Ahmed, gives a story its emotional depth and makes it relatable to audiences.

Concluding his session, Ahmed remarked on the essence of art: "Art, at its core, is entertainment. My role is to present the work honestly and with clarity. The viewer will interpret it in their own way — my focus is on artistic expression, not on delivering a moral lesson." This perspective highlights his commitment to authenticity in artistic creation.

With inputs from WAM