Animators in Lebanon are bringing to the cinema the story of the death of Imam Hussein, the Prophet Mohammad’s grandson, whose demise in battle was a defining moment in the emergence of Shia Islam.

Ard al-Taff was launched on Friday to coincide with Ashura, when Shia Muslims commemorate the martyrdom of Hussein at the battle of Kerbala in Iraq in AD 680.

The makers of the 3-D animated movie hope to reach a wide audience, including Sunnis.

"It’s the first film which tells the story of Imam Hussein," Ahmed Homani, director of the Beirut production house behind the film, said.

"We are receiving requests from Indonesia and Malaysia for distribution. Most of the Arab states are talking about the possibility of distribution."

Imam Hussein was one of the sons of Hazrat Ali, cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Mohammad.

"The script relies on the sources of Sunni Muslim scholars and historians"

Ahmed Homani, film director

"The script relies on the sources of Sunni Muslim scholars and historians"

Ahmed Homani, film director

At the time of battle of Kerbala, Muslim lands were governed from Damascus by a ruler called Yazid. He sent an army against Hussein to demand an oath of allegiance. Hussein refused.

Vastly outnumbered, he was slaughtered with most of his family and a small group of followers.

"The aim is to tell the story as it came in history books," Homani said. "The script relies on the sources of Sunni Muslim scholars and historians."

Giant figure

Shias have traditionally marked Ashura with plays telling Hussein’s story.

During Ashura, Shias wish they "could defend the Imam and die for him", said Samer El-Karanshawy, an anthropologist.

Hussein represents courage, willingness to die for a cause and "absolute morality to the very end", he said. "He is also a symbol of revolution because of his stand against Yazid."

Observing a ban on depicting holy figures in Islam, the makers of Ard al-Taff have covered Hussein’s face with a glowing light. His voice is supplied by Lebanese Druze actor Jihad al-Atrash.

"I felt challenged when I was asked to play this role," Atrash said. "This role is hard, bringing together revolution and faith, strength and steadfastness," he said.