THE LADY OF HEAVEN (UK 2011) and Representations of Early Shi‘i Islam in Films and TV Series

Abstract

This article examines the portrayal of early Shi‘i Islamic history in films and television series, highlighting the range of interpretative approaches and varying degrees of historical accuracy. These productions aim to educate audiences about the formative moments of Islam but are often criticized for their lack of historical fidelity and failure to be sensitive to religious contexts. Sectarian tensions further complicate these depictions, particularly in light of the diverse interpretations of early Shi‘i Islamic history. This article focuses on the representation of key events from early Shi‘i history, in particular in the film THE LADY OF HEAVEN (Eli King, UK 2011). The film’s selection for this study was driven by the controversy it sparked, leading to its ban not only in several Sunni-majority countries but also in the secular United Kingdom and in Shi‘i-majority Iran, making it a unique illustrative case.