Speaking at SIBF 2025, the Emirati screenwriter emphasised that authenticity, rather than imitation, is what leads to international success.
Emirati author and screenwriter Mohammed Hassan Ahmed has said that genuine global recognition in the arts stems not from imitation but from creating work that reflects one’s own identity and cultural experience. His remarks came during a session titled In Search of the Human, held as part of the Behind the Scenes initiative by Sharjah Public Libraries at the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair. The event, which runs until November 16 at Expo Centre Sharjah, is being held under the theme Between You and a Book.
With more than two decades of experience in cinema and television, Ahmed has earned 33 international awards for Best Screenplay and Best Film. Drawing on his career, he explained the fundamental distinction between storytelling and screenwriting, noting that while everyone tells stories daily — even when describing pain to a doctor — transforming a story into a screenplay is a complex artistic process. “Turning an idea into a screenplay requires collaboration and balance,” he said. “The writer must be part of a creative team, merging personal expression with the practical needs of production.”
Ahmed stressed that a screenwriter’s duty is to write for the production team rather than solely for the audience, as their creative role concludes once the script enters production. He illustrated this creative perspective by comparing how different people interpret the same scene: “While a police officer might see an old, dusty car as a parking violation, a screenwriter sees it as a story waiting to unfold — a spark for new ideas and emotions.”
According to Ahmed, screenwriting should begin with the character and expand outward to their world, with equal attention given to the environment that shapes them. He highlighted simplicity as a powerful storytelling tool, explaining that it brings depth and authenticity, allowing audiences to connect more deeply with the work.
“Art, at its core, is entertainment,” Ahmed concluded. “My role as a screenwriter is to present a story truthfully and with a clear artistic vision. The interpretation lies with the audience — they may perceive meanings I never intended. My goal is expression, not instruction.”
Through his insights, Ahmed underscored that the essence of artistic success lies in honesty, simplicity and the courage to tell stories that reflect one’s own humanity.
