The truth, stress and responsibility of working on and starring in Gharabeeb Soud
Every Ramadan, one or two shows – out of the hundred or so that debut – stand out from the pack. The more controversy surrounding a show, the more attention it receives – and in the case of MBC's Gharabeeb Soud (Black Crows), controversy is inevitable, considering the sensitive subject matter it tackles.
The series explores the role of women and children within the ISIL terrorist organisation, in the process addressing the mechanics of terrorism and challenging extremism.
It presents a dramatic depiction of the types of horror stories told by those who have lived in ISIL territories: an army of children, women kidnapped and forced to become sex slaves, brainwashed suicide squads of youngsters and hypocritical leaders using their followers to further their own interests.
The series has been well received, generally, despite facing criticism on social media for supposedly tarnishing the image of Islam. This prompted MBC studios to ramp up security at its offices in Dubai and abroad after receiving death threats from ISIL.
“Our message with this show is not just for the Arab world, but the entire world,” says actor Dima Al Jundi, who plays Al Khansa’a, a cruel morality enforcer and battalion leader.
“Our message [is] Daesh is a non-ethical, non-humane organisation that has nothing to do with religion in any way. The goal of a series like this is to raise awareness.”
This is a dauntingly tall order – and one that came at a price – but Al Jundi says she didn’t think twice about accepting the role.
“Daesh is in control right now in my country, Syria, and I felt like it was my responsibility to reveal this terrorist group’s inhumane, barbaric acts,” says Al Jundi.
However, embracing the role proved extremely difficult for
