New Saudi TV drama aims to counter Islamic State propaganda

[TomSea]

New Saudi TV drama aims to counter Islamic State propaganda
Show underlines Saudi's self-appointed role as bulwark against extremism but critics say kingdom is sponsor of violence and intolerance

A woman performs in a scene from the series Black Crows, believed to have been filmed in Lebanon (Reuters)
Friday 2 June 2017 07:06 UTC

In an effort to counter the sleek propaganda of the Islamic State (IS) group, a Saudi-owned television channel has launched a drama series portraying the harsh realities of life within the so-called caliphate.

The $10m project - which will be beamed across the Arab world by satellite channel MBC - reflects the kingdom's self-appointed role at the forefront of the fight against extremism which was underlined during US President Donald Trump's visit in May.

Black Crows shows women and children living under the militants and is the first television drama to tackle subjects such as mass murder and rape, contrasting sharply with the idyll of heroism and holy war projected by IS on social media.

A woman performs in a scene from 'Black Crows' series, believed to be filmed in Lebanon (Reuters)

Continued: http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/new-saudi-tv-drama-counter-propaganda-1816129810