Speaking at SIBF 2025, the Emirati screenwriter says authenticity, not imitation, drives international success
Sharjah, November 8, 2025
Emirati author and screenwriter Mohammed Hassan Ahmed, said global recognition in art comes not from mirroring others, but from creating work that expresses who we are and shows what makes our experience distinct.
This came 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, which runs until November 16 at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme “Between You and a Book.”
Ahmed has worked as a professional screenwriter for cinema and television for over 22 years, and his films have won 33 international awards for Best Screenplay and Best Film.
On the difference between storytelling and screenwriting, Ahmed said we tell stories every day. Even describing pain to a doctor is a form of storytelling. “Life is one long story made up of countless smaller ones. But turning a story into a screenplay is a different task.” He said it becomes a full artistic process in which the writer must work as part of a creative team, balancing expression with professional requirements for the piece.
He added that the screenwriter must write for the production team and not the audience solely. Their job ends when the script goes into production.
Discussing the screenwriter’s perspective, he added that, as an example, while the police might see an old, dusty car on the street as a parking violation, a screenwriter could see it as the starting point for scenes, ideas and possibilities. The simplest works are often the most successful.
Ahmed said screenwriting should begin with the character and expand to their world. Writers need to pay attention not just to the character, but to everything around them. He emphasised that simplicity is what gives a story real depth and helps it connect with the audience.
The Emirati screenwriter concluded: “Art, at its core, is entertainment. My role is to present the work honestly and with a clear vision. The viewer interprets the message and forms their own impression. Even if I intend to put across a certain message, what reaches the audience might be something else entirely. My focus is artistic expression, not instruction or moral guidance.”
-ENDS-
Attached images:
1:Emirati author and screenwriter Mohammed Hassan Ahmed