A producer of the controversial film The Lady of Heaven, which has sparked nationwide protests, has said that the outrage is "massive, massive publicity for the film".
Far from shying away from the controvsery, the film's executive producer, Malik Shlibak, said that he and the team "expected this from the start". Mr Shlibak went on to say that protests, led by some members of the Muslim community, have not had the desired impact.
He told YorkshireLive: "It's not really worryng, we expected this from the start of production. If anything, it's overwhelmingly positive because it's massive, massive publicity for the film. The reason we made this film was not primarily for profit, it's primarily to tell a story of Lady Fatima. Coincidentally, her story is about tackling extremism, that's her life story; she stood up against these type of people."
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Mr Shlibak said that those protesting over the film, which tells the historical story of Lady Fatima, are just a small minority of the Muslim population. And he has said that these protestors "don't represent" Muslims in the UK.
Mr Shlibak said: "One thing that I think is the most vital point is that there are sentiments being shared by these radical protestors, as with any radicalisation problem you always have that leaking into the general Muslim population. Most [Muslims] are not even batting an eyelid about this, they [protestors] don't represent the Muslims in the UK, it's a fringe group.
"The danger is always that they influence some from the general Muslim community, I say to them - and really to anyone in the general British public - don't fall for any of their bullying tactics. I'm already seeing some that are falling for it, because you might find that one of the things that this group say is that speaking about these historical matters in any way that they disagree with will cause sectarian tension, that's the scare tactic that they're putting forward."
Mr Shlibak said that it is protestors "peddling" that tension. He added: "The danger comes from them. For us to cave into that is just bowing down to their demands. Surely we are tolerant people, willing to allow anyone to contribute their viewpoints, whether they're Muslim or not Muslim, on history or religon? If we're able to allow discussions to take place and be tolerant with opposing views, if they very strongly disagree that's fine, but we can't censor.
"That's why this film for me represents more than just a film, it represents our ability as the British public to retain our right to discuss sensitive matters openly, and one sensitive matter is the religion of Islam."
Mr Shlibak's comments come after cinema brand, Cineworld, announced that it would be pulling all showings of the new film. Protestors across the country have branded the film "highly offensive and blasphemous".
But Mr Shlibak has praised VUE cinemas for reinstating viewings of the film. Responding to the news that VUE cinema had put The Lady of Heaven back in the box office at its Leeds cinema, Mr Shlibak said: "Really, really happy about that, well done VUE. I think VUE is the last bastion standing for British values and freedom of speech and I call on other cinemas to take note of VUE cinema."
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