
Moustapha Akkad
Directing
Biography
Moustapha Akkad (Arabic: مصطفى العقاد), born on July 1, 1930, in Aleppo, Syria, is an iconic figure in international cinema, a renowned director and producer of both Syrian and American origin. Moustapha Akkad's career is marked by a passion for filmmaking that led him, upon arriving in the United States with only $200, to pursue studies at the University of California, Los Angeles, and then at the University of Southern California, where he earned a master's degree in film. His determination and talent attracted the attention of director Sam Peckinpah, who became his mentor and facilitated his professional debut as a producer at CBS, paving the way for a remarkable and socially engaged career. Akkad quickly distinguished himself through his commitment to fostering dialogue between cultures and telling the stories of major figures in the Arab and Muslim world. In 1976, he directed and produced "The Message (Muhammad, Messenger of God)," starring Anthony Quinn and Irene Papas in the English-language version, an epic recounting the beginnings of Islam and the life of the Prophet Muhammad. This project was particularly audacious, as Hollywood studios refused to finance it, leading Akkad to seek foreign support, notably from Morocco and Libya, to realize his artistic vision. To respect Muslim sensitivities, he consulted numerous scholars to ensure that the film biography of the Prophet Muhammad would serve as a bridge between cultures without offending beliefs. This masterpiece was followed in 1981 by "Lion of the Desert," in which Anthony Quinn portrayed Omar al-Mukhtar, the Libyan Bedouin leader fighting against Mussolini's Italian army in the Libyan desert. Despite an initially mixed reception, partly due to Libyan financing conditions, the film has gained recognition over the years as an important work in the history of cinema, embodying values of emancipation and resistance. Akkad is also famous for producing the legendary "Halloween" horror film saga. Starting in 1978 with "Halloween," he revolutionized the slasher genre in the United States and left a lasting mark on popular culture with the character of Michael Myers. He produced most of the sequels, for a total of eight films, expanding the legend of the psychopathic killer and cementing his name in the history of genre cinema. His son, Malek Akkad, continues this family tradition by producing the installments released after his death. Moustapha Akkad's life tragically ended on November 11, 2005, in Amman, two days after he was seriously wounded in the Al-Qaeda suicide bombings at the hotel where he was staying, which also claimed the life of his daughter, Rima Akkad Monla. His work and commitment will remain etched in history, embodying intercultural dialogue, the memory of great figures, and the modernity of a cinema that is both universal and open to the world.
Known For

Fifteen years after murdering his sister on Halloween Night 1963, Michael Myers escapes from a mental hospital and returns to the small town of Haddonfield, Illinois to kill again.
Halloween

Laurie Strode comes to her final confrontation with Michael Myers, the masked figure who has haunted her since she narrowly escaped his killing spree on Halloween night four decades ago.
Halloween

The early years of young Michael Myers and the events leading up to his fateful Halloween night murder rampage in the quiet town of Haddonfield, Illinois.
Halloween

After lying in a coma for a year, Michael Myers awakens and stalks his way back to his small hometown in Illinois, intent on killing his niece, Jamie, who has been confined to a mental institution since his last attempt to slay her.
Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers

Two decades after surviving a massacre on October 31, 1978, former baby sitter Laurie Strode finds herself hunted by persistent knife-wielder Michael Myers. Laurie now lives in Northern California under an assumed name, where she works as the headmistress of a private school. But it's not far enough to escape Myers, who soon discovers her whereabouts. As Halloween descends upon Laurie's peaceful community, a feeling of dread weighs upon her -- with good reason.
Halloween H20: 20 Years Later

Ten years after his original massacre, the invalid Michael Myers awakens on Halloween Eve and returns to Haddonfield to kill his seven-year-old niece.
Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers

After failing to kill stubborn survivor Laurie and taking a bullet or six from former psychiatrist Dr. Sam Loomis, Michael Myers has followed Laurie to the Haddonfield Memorial Hospital, where she's been admitted for Myers' attempt on her life. The institution proves to be particularly suited to serial killers, however, as Myers cuts, stabs and slashes his way through hospital staff to reach his favorite victim.
Halloween II

Six years after being presumed dead in a fire, and just as the town prepares to finally celebrate Halloween again, Michael Myers returns to Haddonfield to continue his reign of terror.
Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers

After a terrified toy salesman is mysteriously attacked and brought to the hospital, clutching the year's most popular Halloween mask, Dr. Daniel Challis sets out to investigate the strange events and finds himself thrust into a nightmarish conspiracy.
Halloween III: Season of the Witch

In sixth-century Mecca, Prophet Muhammad receives his first revelation from God as a messenger. Three years later, he's not alone in his quest and publicly declares his prophecy. Muhammad is fought by Abu Sufian and his wife Hind, rulers of Mecca. Muhammad's followers are hunted and tortured but he continues his calling.
The Message

Reality programmers at DangerTainment select a group of thrill-seeking teenagers to spend one night in the childhood home of serial killer Michael Myers. Their planned live broadcast turns deadly when Michael decides to crash the party.
Halloween: Resurrection

Resistance leader Omar Mukhtar opposes Italian colonization before World War II. The brutal guerrilla war against Italian General Rodolfo Graziani and the Fascist forces of Benito Mussolini highlights the struggle for Libyan independence and the harsh tactics utilised by the colonisers.
Lion of the Desert

In sixth-century Mecca, Prophet Muhammad receives his first revelation from God as a messenger. Three years later, he's not alone in his quest and publicly declares his prophecy. Muhammad is fought by Abu Sufian and his wife Hind, rulers of Mecca. Muhammad's followers are hunted and tortured but he continues his calling.
The Message

This historical and critical look at slasher films, which includes dozens of clips, begins with Halloween, Friday the 13th, and Prom Night. The films' directors, writers, producers, and special effects creators comment on the films' making and success. During the Reagan years, the films get gorier, budgets get smaller, and their appeal wanes. Then, Nightmare on Elm Street revives the genre. Jump to the late 90s, when Scream brings humor and TV stars into the mix.
Going to Pieces: The Rise and Fall of the Slasher Film

A retrospective documentary on the making of the movie "Halloween," featuring exclusive interviews with director John Carpenter, producer Debra Hill, and stars Jamie Lee Curtis, PJ Soles, and Nick Castle.
Halloween: Unmasked

Follow the evolution of the 'Halloween' movies over the past twenty-five years. It examines why the films are so popular and revisits many of the original locations used in the films - seeing the effects on the local community. For the first time, cast, crew, critics and fans join together in the ultimate 'Halloween' retrospective.
Halloween: 25 Years of Terror

Moustapha Akkad, the man who brought you HALLOWEEN, invites you to keep an APPOINTMENT WITH FEAR. According to legend, Attis, King of the Woods, sacrificed his child to keep his own spirit alive and free to wander the earth at will. APPOINTMENT WITH FEAR casts this evil in contemporary terms: can a group of free-spirited teenagers and an inquisitive detective save a dying woman's infant from being Attis' next victim? The suspense is unrelenting as they - and you - keep an APPOINTMENT WITH FEAR.
Appointment with Fear

Using original interviews with director John Carpenter, stars Jamie Lee Curtis and P.J. Soles, and crew members, 'Halloween': A Cut Above the Rest unveils the production of the horror classic and how the ingenuity of Carpenter and his team, coupled with the shoestring budget of $325,000, drove the filmmakers to create one of the most influential horror films of all time.
Halloween: A Cut Above the Rest

A group of teenagers borrow a car, unaware that gangsters have stashed mob money in it. The gangsters are determined to get the money back.
Free Ride

An in-depth look at the making of ‘The Message’, featuring interviews with key figures such as Moustapha Akkad, the film's producer, who shares his personal connection to the project. The documentary covers various aspects of the production, including the construction of the massive historical Mecca set, the creation of costumes, and the challenges of shooting in the desert. It also discusses the decision to shoot the film in two different languages (Arabic and English) and the unique issues that arose from this choice.