Hassan, the owner of the Imperial Hotel appeared to have been the leader of the group that killed Abdi's film. He was arrested and put in jail. The reason for his actions was that he was unhappy with the fact that we didn't stay at his hotel...
What an outrageous lie! I had dinner with Hassan tonight at Imperial Hotel. He only fought for his principles. In addition, you know the real reason why the film failed. It is simply because you and your producers are unprofessional, greedy and did not do their Homework properly. So don’t blame it on Hassan or the Somalilanders. We may be poor but we stand for our principles. We also know professionals when we see one. You are not! Jamal
Since Jamal has not been able or willing to honour us with an answer, here's a brief summary of the events that lead to the (temporary) termination of our plans.
A group of people who (claim they) were members of Abdi's clan, demanded a sum of approx. $ 100.000 from the budget that several state funds (in France, Canada and the Netherlands) contributed to the film.
Part of the sum ($57.500) was for Ibrahim/Fakte (Abdi's half-brother) because he had set up a company in Somaliland at the request of Abdi (that is: he registered it with the Somaliland chamber of commerce at approx. $30) Fakte claimed he had paid $5000 to be producer of the film: a completely insane claim. He also stated that ' the film is for black people.'
Legally the producers were not obliged to pay anyone in Somaliland anything since Abdi's rights (a contractual €5000 idee fee) were inherited by his daughter who now lives in the USA.
However: the producers wanted to pay Abdi's mother $ 10.000 (again: although they were not legally oibliged to!) but spokespersons of the clan refused this offer.
Despite numerous attempts at explaining the legal situation, members of the clan (including Hassan of the Imperial) kept insisting they be paid or else....
The 'or else' in the end meant violence and destruction. At last violence indeed befell Kayse, our unit location manager.
Jamal mentions that the producers were greedy but they put forward their own money.
Jamal mentions that the producers are not profesionals: Michiel and Guillaume have produced numerous awardwinning films.
Jamal also mentions he and Hassan acted according to principles: apparently the principles of ignorance, racism, greed and violence.
Those are principles that are not shared by a vast majority of the Somaliland people.
Mr Minneboo, As usual you are very quick to judge without much reasoning. Of course I would give a response to justify my principles. It has nothing to do with honouring you (because I don’t honour Liars!) but I do honour the public that reads this blog. My principles are the following: First – I always stand for what is correct and true. To the contrary you try to hide between arguments. You didn’t even try to deny the fact that you lied when you reported that Hassan has been arrested for sabotaging your film. Second – Even if he is no more with us Abdi deserves the recognition for the film he originated. He is also a co-writer. This is supported by a written and signed agreement and there is nothing you can do to change it! To the contrary, you tried to steal the credits of dead man by denying him his rights and benefits of a co-writer. So who is talking about principle? Third – I believe in Same payment for Same work regardless of origin or colour! Unless you have a problem with maths Abdi’s family did not ask for 100,000 Euro. That is another one of your fabrications. Actually they asked the same amount you have been paid as a co-writer of the script plus the 5,000 euro for originating the film. What is wrong with that? If you got paid why not Abdi? So who is a racist now? Forth – I should always justify what I say! You said that the producers forward their own money. This is another big lie. The producers did not pay a penny from their pocket. We know that the film got more than 1 million euro grant. You kept on assuming that Somalilanders are ignorant. But we are not. I can prove my statement with a statement of the financers and you know it. In addition the Clan you mentioned so many times does not claim the money. The clan negotiated on behalf of Abdi’s mother who is not able to cope with your twisting and untrue arguments.
Before I end my response despite the number of films Michiel and Guillaume have produced I still remain with my statement that they are not professionals. If they were as professional as you say they wouldn’t bring Kayse (someone without any experience in film business, a big-mouth and so detached from his culture) as their local manager. Professionalism has nothing to do with number of films or awards. Rather competence and ethics comes to the picture. There is a saying in our country “ the number of years in water does not make the stone swim”. Finally, Mr Minneboo you are a man of words. You use to much of them without even bothering to justify what you are talking. It is easy to call people arrogant, racists, violent etc... as you have not presented a single evidence of these accusations your words only say too much about your behaviour and manners. What a character you own for someone who claims to be a writer? I bid you farewell, Jamal
Same payment for same work, different payment for different work: I wrote the screenplay, alone. Abdi did not write a single word. The fact that Abdi is mentioned as a 'co-auteur' in a French contract doesn't change that: in French auteur is a more ambivalent word than writer, especially when film is concerned. Abdi agreed to the sum of EURO 5000 mentioned in the contract because he knew he would not write the screenplay. Ergo: I have not attempted to steal a dead man's rights: you and other members of the clan are trying to make money out of Abdi's death.
The total sum of the attemped extortion was $100.000: 55.500 for brother Ibrahim/Fakte and EURO 35.000 for the family. That is roughly $100.000.
I have never called anyone arrogant, I have called people violent (after an attack) and greedy (after insane and illegal financial demands0 and racist (when Fakte claimed that 'the film is for black people.')
Finally: i know for a fact that Michiel paid a lot of the expenses out of his own pocket. The fact that you appear to have the budget of the film is proveof our openness in these matters.
Part One of my Response Mr Minneboo, - Finally a little bit of truth cracked out from you! So there is a contract! And this contract states Abdi is a co writer (regardless of the French translation of “Co writer”). That is enough truth for me. But why did you or any of the producers mention it before? I tell you why. It is because you all thought Abdi is dead and nobody would know. But the truth you thought you buried followed you to Somaliland and smashed you on the face. Didn’t it? - Despite the clear evidence you boldly said that Abdi did not write a single word. You have a great talent of changing and twisting arguments! Let me give you another evidence to prove Abdi is a co-writer. The same French producer (the very thought of him makes me smile) who signed the above mentioned contract clearly stated on his grant application to ACP and other donors that the screen play of Queleh is written by Roelof Jan Minneboo and Abdi Ismail Jama. Do you want to check this information? Please visit the following WebPages posted by the financers of the film and the French Producer o http://www.acpfilms.eu/htdocs/modules/projets/visit.php?fileid=32 o http://www.acpfilms.eu/htdocs/uploads/projets/2_6-QUELEH-en.pdf I can suggest more websites and information sourses. I told you before Mr. Minneboo. I always justify my statements with evidence.
Part three - You said that you know for sure that Dutch Producer paid money out of his pocket. This is not true! What happened to the 300,000 euro grant given by the Dutch Film Fund? I bet the fund would be delighted to know the producer decided to finance the film from his private money! I am not sure if the Dutch Film Fund would be very happy to know you and the producers are denying its generous contribution to the film. May be I should drop an e-mail to them? - You mentioned your reason for calling us names (violent racist etc). The “attack” you tried to use as a security hazard has been a dispute between your bigmouth Kayse and another person over insulting words of Kayse. This has nothing to do with you or the film. Try and tell me this would never happen in the peaceful Europe. You also very well remember that the people who got into fight with Kayse and some of his clam members are arrested. There is justice in Somaliland too. But you exaggerated this simple incident to a security hazard so that you can stop the film and convince your financers to cancel the debt. How convenient! Not only that your reason for calling us racists is too shallow and shows how shallow you are. I don’t need to say more. The readers can judge. - Finally you keep forgetting to update us on Hassan’s imprisonment! Is he out? You have a wild imagination Mr. Minneboo. Anyways, he sends you his regard from Imperial Hotel.
Part two - Now let us talk about the maths thing and the amount of money claimed by Abdi’s family. Again you are trying to twist arguments. The contract says the 5000 euro Abdi gets is for originating the idea of the film. So why do you mix it up with the benefits of a co-writer. The Family claimed this plus 25,000 euro for co-writing the script (the same amount of money you got as a co-writer). This sums to 30,000 euro. You mentioned about the claim of 55.500 by Abid’s brother Ibrahim/Fakte. You very well remember that our Minister of Information who has been trying to arbitrate this issue clearly stated this claim is groundless and he only consider the claim of the family which is supported by written and signed contract. However, let me refresh your memory here why Fakte came to the picture and claimed this money. - When your “professional” French producer filed applications to various grants he needed a company in Somaliland as a co-producer to strengthen his credibility. He asked Fakte to be a local co-producer and supply the necessary documentations. Fakte did provided these documentations and was promised a role of a local co-producer. But when you guys got the grant approved you kicked Fackte out without even letting him know that he is out of the film or bothering to give him a reason why. Don’t you think he deserves an explanation from the “professional” producers? To make things worse you brought Kayse Askar in Faktes role. To make things even worse Kayse is from a different clan than Fakte is and there is a prevalent tension between these two clans. Let me ask you this Mr. Minneboo. Wouldn’t a professional producer communicate such important decisions to all involved? Shouldn’t he think ahead the consequences of his decisions and actions? Your “Professional” and “award winning” producers can’t even do these simple things. The consequence is conflict and misunderstanding. Perhaps you and the producers have been aiming for that. All their actions seem to support this reasoning.
A lot of words don't necesarilly support the truth.
When state funds promise to support a film they don't just transfer the money to an account. Part of the money is paid after the production has finished. In the case of Queleh, the Dutch film fund had not transferred any money at all, hence my claim that the expenses (travel, rental etc.) had been made by producer Michiel himself. Furthermore, in his budget it is clearly stated that his producer's fee was re-invested into the production of the film: he would not make a single penny.
About Abdi's rights: although he is mentioned as a co-auteur in one contract, he did not write a single word. There is a lot of evidence to support this fact. Should you have had the decency to take your arguments to court in stead of threatening us, you would have seen this evidence. Moreover: Abdi agreed and signed to the sum of EURO 5000 for his idea.
The case of Fakte: Abdi asked him to set up the company in Somaliland but from the start the producers knew that Fakte wasn't up to the work he thought he would do. For instance: he claimed that car rental would be a hundred dollars a car a day. It turned out to be 50 to 70. When Abdi died Fakte claimed that the film was his. He left the country bankrupt and was never heard of again. You appear to know a lot about professionalism. Does Fakte qualify as a professional in any way?
We wanted to make an honest non-commercial arthouse film that honours the history of Somaliland, like Abdi wanted. You just want to make money.
Send my regards to Hassan, if my information about his imprisonment turns out te be incorrect, I appologize. You should consider to do the same.
ps:
Please send emails to any fund you like: messages from greedy individuals such as yourself will only justify the producers' decisions.
pps: 'This film is for black people' can only be seen as a racist remark.
Just a little peek into the mind of Fakte/Ibrahim. Last week he sent me this message: (English translation at the bottom.)
Beste Bandieten, De film van Abdi is niet dood, de somaliers willen de film maken. Roeloof moet ophouden te beweren dat de film is verkocht aan Guillaume Guillaume heeft een falce contract gemaakt. de handtekening die opstaat op de contract en die van Abdi passeport comen niet overeen Roeloof is mede oplichter, .... Roeloof moet ook ophouden te beweren dat de is film is van hem.
Dear Bandits, Abdi’s film isn’t dead, the Somalis want to make the film. Roelof must stop saying that the film is sold to Guillaume. Guillaume made a false contract: Abdi’s signature on the contract isn’t the same as on his passport. Roelof is also a swindler. Roelof must also stop claiming that the film is his
Yes! Lots of words don't necessarily support the truth. - It seems you learned a good lesson. You should tell this to yourself again and again. It seems you have a habit of cracking to a little bit of truth when confronted and under pressure. Why didn’t you say a word about state fund before? There is a big difference between financing a film by your own money and getting a state fund in different transfers. i.e you will get back any advance you put into the film. About Abdi's rights: You seem to be stuck on this. There is a contract and lots of evidence to prove that Abdi is a co-writer of the film. You convinced yourself for two years that you are the sole write because Abdi is dead and you thought he would not be able to defend his rights. Well, wake up amigo you cannot bury the truth it seems. So you better get used to the fact however painful it may be. Let me repeat it to you. Abdi Ismail Jama is an originator and a co-writer of Queleh. I don’t need to go to court to have this proved. It is you who need to defend your lie. I never said Fakte is a professional. But the producer who engaged Fakte just to secure a fund and dismissed him later is even more unprofessional. You said Fakte misinformed you about a price of car rental. You misinformed a lot of people about a very important matter (Abid’s rights and a reputation of a nation). Which one is more dangerous and ugly? By the way you never say a word about your “professional” local producer Kayse! How come? You wanted to make an honest non-commercial art house film? This is far from the truth. You pocketed more than 25,000 euro for the film you didn’t even write by your own. How does this make the film non-commercial? Your French producer collected money from every corner and doesn’t even sign contracts with the local people he hires so that he can fake prices. I bet he is now trying to convince the financers close the contract without asking him to pay pack the money. This is profit and theft in the name of non-commercial art house film. And you don’t know the first thing about Honesty!
Sure, I will pass your apologies and regard to Hassan. Next time you accuse someone on false grounds and lie about their whereabouts be sure to bear the legal consequences. You can be sure all the funds will hear officially the truth about what happened in Somaliland regarding the film. Your reason to call us racist is hilarious. Again your generalization is too quick and without much reasoning. You can call me greedy or thousand other names. But you cannot prove any word you write. As I said before, you own a surprisingly shallow character for someone who claims to be a writer. Farewell Jamal
If it wasn't for the fact that you write that I 'pocketed more than 25.000 euro for the film you didn't even write by your own' I would have deleted all of your crap.
You can't prove that Abdi co-wrote the screenplay ( I wonder if you have even read it....) Show me prove that he wrote anything: scenes, rough versions, whatever.... Fakte has Abdi's laptop.
Abdi would have directed the film, had he not died. I am the person who tried to make sure the film was made anyway: to honour Abdi and the history of Somaliland. NOT TO MAKE SHITLOADS OF MONEY. I CAN DO THAT AS A CONSULTANT HERE IN AMSTERDAM!
I SLAVED AT THE SCREENPLAY FOR MORE THAN FOUR YEARS AND I DID IT ON MY OWN! I have earned an estimated 2 EUROs for every hour I worked on Abdi's film and my screenplay: A REAL LABOUR OF LOVE!
You don't understand a single bit of how (arthouse) films are produced. You are surprised that the film was funded by state funds? I told that at a dozen meetings I had with representatives of Abdi's family and clan in Hargeisa. Do you really think that private investors would put money towards a film with non-professional actors in the Somali language?
Please contact the funds! Please do! Tell them your 'truth!'
An you better be sure to bear the legal consequences if you mention once more that I am trying to profit from Abdi's death.
Mr. Minneboo, You sound ANGRY! Your mail screams fury. Well I leave you to it because it is a small price for not always telling the truth. I hope you learned a lesson. Yes I can prove Abdi is a co-writer. As I said it again and again there is a valid signed contract and dozens of website (I gave you some linked before) to this effect. What are you going to do about it? Well, good luck with the consulting business. I wonder who hires a person who can’t even make a well informed and rational statement as a “consultant”. But again that is what “consultants” do. Right? I have no doubt you slaved at the screen play. It is just that Abdi did too (and for longer than 4 years). So he deserves the same benefit or more. This is a fair claim. You did not do anything by your own. Don’t try to grasp all the credits. I may not be an expert in the film business. But allow me to ask this. Are you a professional in the film business? Did you study filmmaking? Where? Did you make any film before? Of course, I and my colleagues know the film has been financed by state funds. It is YOU who said that the producers put in their own money into the film and it is another big lie. (You can read you posting in this blog to refresh your memory)
Are you threatening me with legal consequences for telling the truth? I repeat the truth not only once but thousand times. Abdi Ismail Jama is a co-writer of Queleh. And you and your producers are trying to profit from Abdi’s death. There! I said it. Please go to court Mr. Minneboo. I truly believe in the legal system and would be happy to receive your court summon. Until then, I bid you farewell Jamal P.s Don’t answer selectively to issues raised in our discussions. You never replied about Keyse, your French producer or the fact that your claim of security concerns is just crap! I always answered for all your points and questions. It would be fair to do the same.
A You can't prove that Abdi wrote the screenplay: there might be a contract that mentions him as a 'co-auteur' but that doesn't mean he wrote anything. BECAUSE HE DIDN'T! Please show me anything he wrote: Fakte has his laptop computer! Besides: Abdi agreed on a 5000 EURO fee. He also agreed (verbally) on a director's fee of around 40.000 EURO. It is a great tragedy that he died before he could direct the film. In that sense only director Abraham Haile Biru could be said to 'profit'from Abdi's death, but that is just as sick as claiming that I profited from my friend's death...
B You dispute a number of contracts, ergo you had a legal issue, ergo: had you been in any way civilized, you would have taken us to court in stead of threatening us.
C The producers re-invested their producers fee into the film and the paid a lot of expenses up front.(By the way: I also put forward part of my fees to be re-invested in the project.)
D I am a professional in the film business: I studied History of Art and Culture, English literature and screenwriting at the University of Amsterdam (and a term at the University of York) and make money as a scriptwriter, a script consultant, an arteducation consultant and as a film teacher. I wrote and produced two short films (one with Abdi as a director AND NOT AS A CO-WRITER), and wrote a number of feature screenplays. (By the way: are you a professional extortionist? Did you go to pirate school?)
E If Kayse is - as you say - of the wrong clan, to me that is proof of how dark and sordid (and 'clannist') you are.
F The Minister of Information and National Guidance forbade us to start filming. He could not guarantee the safety of our crew and equipment. That is a security issue, certainly in a country where smart people like you become obsessed when they think they smell money.
G I can't even remember what your issues with the French producer are...
Your selection with regards to answering issues raised:
Fakte claiming that 'this film is for black people'(he meant that it should be made by black people and the money should all go into black people's pockets) is a racist remark. Or do you dispute that?
Why didn't you take us to court? You say you believe in the legal system: act accordingly.
Please forward your full name and contact information so I can take you to court for slander.
About my answer A (in case you think you smell even more money and claim $ 150.000 'for the family'.)
Abdi would have made a considerable amount of money if he would have directed the film. Tragically he died (before I finished the screenplay and before the complete budget was secured, but those are different matters...)so we had to find someone else to direct: Abraham Haile Biru, who negotiated a fee of EURO 60.000 for his directing and d.o.p. job.
Why don't you try to wrench some money out of him? He is the only one who technically profited from Abdi's death... And you lot lof course.
I nearly forgot: you haven't told me if you read the screenplay or not...
...you claim that Abdi wrote the screenplay for more than four years: not true. An assistant teacher at Abdi's film school, Heleen Suèr, started writing the screenplay around 2004 (or thereabouts.) She visited Somaliland with Abdi in 2005. She gave up writing in 2006. Abdi went looking for another writer and found me. I started from scratch. Only one small scene of her work is in the current version. Mrs Suèr was my scripteditor on Queleh. She also fought to have Abdi's film made. She was heartbroken by your sabotage.
Mr. Minneboo, - I wouldn’t lose my manners and swear obscene on a public forum as you just did. But yes, it is becoming really boring because you don’t believe in reasoning and evidence but only in the lie you made yourself believe. I presented written and signed contract plus a number of sources where Abdi is stated as a co-writer. You couldn’t provide a single evidence to prove you are the sole writer of the screenplay. If you don’t believe in a contract then what else do you believe in? I thought you “Civilized” people respected contracts. You can write in thousand bold capital letters as many times as you wish. But the truth remains that Abdi Ismel Jama is the co-writer of Queleh.
- It is you who threaten to take me to court. So here is my full name is Jamal Ismail Abbas from Hargeisa. You can send the court summon to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and you can be sure that I will receive it. I would look forward to your court summon eagerly. Where would the trail be? In the “uncivilized” Somaliland as you called it, or Europe. I am up for both.
- Your educational background and profile sounds interesting. I respect the History of Art and Culture and English literature education and profession. But the fact remains you did not study filmmaking and you are not a filmmaker. So spare me your lecture about art house and commercial films until you actually make one. You never wrote a script before and Abdi gave you the first opportunity. Alas, you denied him all his credits instead of thanking him. Mr. Minneboo, no, I did not study extortionism and I regret to tell you there are no pirate schools in Somaliland. Did you go to one yourself? Your stereotyping is as outrageous as your lie.
- Kayse I never said he is from the “wrong clan”. Because there are no wrong clans in Somaliland or anywhere else in the world. I said he is from a different clan than Fakte and these two clans compete for recourses. There is a big difference between “different” and “wrong”. A professional writer would defiantly know that. Since the formulation “wrong clan” came from you, you are the “dark”, “sordid” and “clannist” one. By the way, one can really make a dictionary of dirty words from your blog texts. How “civilized” of you Mr. Minneboo?
Part two -The Minister of Information and National Guidance did not forbid you from filming. You were asked to do what you should have done long time ago. This is another glaring evidence of neither you nor your producers are professionals. You simply ignored the issue that needs to be addressed until the last day. The Minister spent considerable time with you in order to solve this issue. But you were so eager to label Somaliland “unsecured”, “uncivilised”, “racist” etc. By the way in this same blog you wrote the authorities of Somaliland begged you to stay and make the film. Your words are contradictory but as usual that does not bother you.
- Your definition of “racist” as narrow as your other arguments and thinking. I don’t need to say more. But I recommend a dictionary. I hope you will read this blog again after some years and realized how matured you became over the years. You are not only a professional liar but also an expert at badmouthing people. I don’t have any issues with Abraham Haiele Birru. It seems you have issues to bring him into this discussion unnecessarily. As far as I know he agreed to direct the film after Abdi died. I don’t see any problem in people negotiating their fee for an honest labor. What would be wrong is people trying to steal other people’s credit and especially of those who cannot defend themselves. Mr. Minneboo, mind you, I never questioned why you get 25,000 euro. That is what you have negotiated with the producers. I only asked Abdi should get the same. So I have the same stand when it comes to Mr. Haiele Birru. I am not to judge how much he is worth. I would have the same problems with him that I have with you if he ever attempts to disrespect Abdi or compromise Abdi’s rights and credits. But we have all observed for sure he is a much better and decent person than the bunch of you. We never heard him badmouthing or discrediting Abdi. He has been respectful to Abdi’s family and our people. He actually tried to discuss with us and seek solutions. You should really be embarrassed to badmouth him and accuse him of “Profiting from Abdi’s death”. Your words are putting you as lower than a village bigmouth. Yes, I read the screenplay in and out and I see Abdi in every page. Farwell, Jamal
Abdi signed a (French) contract as a co-auteur based on the initial idea he came up with: a film about a boy in Somaliland who flees the country because of the civil war. Hence the fee of EURO 5000 for Abdi as the 'auteur' (not the writer) of the idea and 25.000 for me as the writer of the screenplay.
All the characters (apart from Queleh and his parents), the plot, the subplot, the actions (apart from the soap and rain scene: Heleen Suèr wrote that) and the dialogue are figments of my imagination and research (including interviews with Abdi and numerous other Somalians.)
Some more loose ends before we wrap this up and - inshallah- meet in court:
I have only 'badmouthed' the extortionists who thought they smelled money. I have not written a single bad word about Abdi or Abraham.
I have never mentioned a definition of racisms: I -justly- claimed that the remark 'this film is for black people' is a racist remark.
A lesson in filmproduction: there is a difference between making a film and writing a film. I have written and made two short films and I have written a dozen of screenplays for feature films. Filmmakers (especially directors and DOPs are educated at filmschools. Producers and writers come from various backgrounds: theatre, literature etc.
Thanks for writing that you see Abdi in every page. A real compliment!
Dear Mr. Minneboo, You can repeat 1000 times but the fact remains the same. Abdi is a co-writer of Queleh. The only way you can change is by presenting solid evidence that he is not. You accused Abraham Haiele Birru of profiting from Abdi's death. You deprived Abdi of his rights. Just read your previous posts to see I am correct. “Badmouthing” is a very mild word to use to express your actions and attitude. About the script, sure , but the compliment goes for both you and Abdi. I still did not receive your court summon. I hope you have not forgotten about it. Farewell, Jamal
You keep twisting words... I never accused Abraham of profiting from Abdi's death: I merely claimed that he is the only one who would have made less money had Abdi lived. I mentioned this in a sarcastic remark in which I expressed my surprise at the fact that you never tried to extort money from him. Unfortunately you don't seem to understand sarcasm.
I never deprived Abdi of his rights. His rights are clearly stated in multiple contracts. You are not interested in anyone's rights: you are simply after money.
You want proof of my sole authorship of the screenplay. The proof is on the front page of all the 11 drafts of the screenplay, not in the contract that mentions him as the 'auteur' of the idea at a fee that is a fraction of that of the writer (me.) I asked you repeatedly to present scenes, versions etc. by Abdi's hand. I even told you where you could find them had they excisted: in Abdi's laptop computer that is in his brother Fakte's possession.
I am currently attempting to officially sue you for slander. The problem is that the Somaliland judiciary system is not equipped - as far as I can assess presently - to deal with my case (sarcastic use of euphemism).
You would be a bit less of an extortionist bully if you would forward me your contact details in stead of namedropping (or titledropping) the Minister of Foreign Affairs as your p.o. box.
Part one! Humm! Sarcasm? How interesting! What a cleaver and easy way of escaping an argument? No, I am not sarcastic Mr. Meeniboo. I say what I want to say directly and try to back it with evidence. Yes you deprived Abdi of his rights. The contract you are talking about clearly stated Abdi is a co writer. You are trying to downgrade the meaning of “co-writer” to the minimum possible. I think there is a difference between originating an idea and co-writing a screenplay. So enough with the twisting of words and phrases to you convenience. Your understanding of evidence is rather strange. The versions of the scripts you are talking about are your fabrications. If you are brave enough to deny a fact confirmed by a signed contract what would stop you from deleting Abdi’s name from the scripts? In addition I also sent you a web link of dozens of documents (some produced by you producers and including the submission to the donors of the film) that state Abdi as a co-writer. So, if you think the draft scripts in your computer suffice as evidence these are a stronger counter evidences for you. Extortionists are those who claim money that they don’t deserve. I only claimed what are legitimately Abdi’s rights for his family that needs his support. Did you expect us to let you or your greedy producers have his share? So you better stop calling me Extortionists. It doesn’t bother me if you keep on doing it because you are an expert in name-calling and badmouthing people.
Part Two! Regarding the court summon I eagerly expect My P.O. Box is 726 But if the Somaliland judiciary system is not equipped I bet the civilized European courts have the competence. By the way, don’t think you have succeeded in killing Abdi’s dream. We don’t need a bunch of losers like you to make it a reality. We the Somalilanders will make the film the way Abdi wanted it. Go ahead and shout about your rights on the script. Since you are paid for your contribution only Abdi’s share remain that would enable us to make the film independently. We are already mobilising money locally and from the Somali Diaspora. We will also contact some members of your crew that had a positive outlook of our people, our culture and Abdi. We don’t necessarily need you to tell our story Mr. Minneboo. Farewell, Jamal
I was wondering where Mr. Minneboo (as Jamal call hem) is. Actually I am not computer person. But I was following the discussion between Jamal and Minneboo. If it was a football game Minneboo lost 10 to 0. I am glad that you admit “All the characters (apart from Queleh and his parents), the plot, the subplot, the actions (apart from the soap and rain scene: Heleen Suèr wrote that). That is for the first time because until now you was saying “I wrote it alone”. Now you are saying: Heleen Suèr wrote that. Please, Minneboo tell us the truth. Which part is yours and which part is Abdi’s. Because Abdi can’t talk. “You Profiting from Abdi’s death” Mr. minneboo. Yes, we respect the really people hoe was working very hard to make the movie. From the beginning until the end. We respect him because he is reasonable, he respect our people and he respect our culture. That is why he deserved respect from the ministry of Information and just the Minister want only to talk to Abraham not to you or the mafia producer and the silly Dutch producer. There is no point to discuss Minneboo. You lost all. It is a shame. You didn’t wrote the script alone. A film who a lot of people working for a long time impossible to fall down like that. What a producers, they are losers. The French producer we know from the first day he was a mafia. But I don’t understand hoe gave you so much money? You said “(especially directors and DOPs are educated at film schools. Producers and writers come from various backgrounds: theatre, literature etc.” That is not true. Because we know Abdi studied Script writing and directing. What are you talking about? My God, what a losers. I admire Jamal for how he put the points. Thank you Jamal for showing the European “writer” and civilized film makers what the points are. And Jamal is not a film maker. Yes, if is God will we will make the movie by our self as Abdi wanted. With out any interest like you and your producers. Even Abdi is dead but his sprit is still in Somaliland, you came here and you lost totally!!!!!
I give up: there is no use trying to explain what you don't want to understand.
Here is my final reaction:
*Abdi had an idea for a film *Abdi found a writer (Heleen) *Heleen had to give up *Abdi found another writer (me) *The writer wrote the screenplay based on Abdi's idea, without any funding (no money) *Abdi and the writer found producers *Abdi signed a contract for his idea and his forthcoming directing job *The writer wrote a contract for the screenplay *The producers approached various funds *A couple of funds reacted positively: they would support the film as soon as the whole budget was covered. *Abdi died before he was paid for his idea and before he could do his job as a director. *Fakte revealed that he was in fact Abdi's brother and started making unrealistic claims on 'the film' *Some funds withdrew their support *A producer withdrew *The writer found another producer *The producers (old and new) continued the funding process *Funding was finally completed *The crew travelled to Somaliland, started the production but were forced to stop because of attempted extortion, threats and violence from Abdi's family/clan.
Mr Mubarek, you are as ignorant as you are racially biased: why thank Jamal for "showing the European writer"? What has me being European to do with the situation? I never called anyone "African"... The fact that you emphasize the fact that I am a European writer is pitiful. You state that Abdi studied scriptwriting and directing. He didn’t. Abdi graduated as a documentary filmmaker.
Abdi was a friend of mine. When he went missing I headed the search and when he was found dead, I helped bury him. Abdi was an artist, a dreamer.
The behaviour of the likes of you would have made him sick.
Yes, you must give up because it doesn’t have any sense, to repeat things. You make me sick because; your producers admit you were a co-writer. Abdi is not with us he can’t talk. As you said “he was your friend” but I don’t believe you at all. If he was your friend you will fight for his right and everything, but you didn’t. Stronger you want to Stoll his right not only you also the Mafia French producer and the old producer Maarck. That is why you don’t want to involve Fakte. Because he know more. But at the end Fakte won! That is why you are not succeeded in Somaliland! Yes, Abdi had an idea and not only idea but he had also a story stolen by you. Yes, you admit Heleen wrote a part of it, but until short time you were saying you wrote the script. Why so late. Why you didn’t admit at the beginning?
*”Abdi and the writer found producers” Is this true? Abdi and you found a producer or there are another persons involved? Still you are laying Mioooooo. Be honest! *”Abdi signed a contract for his idea and his forthcoming directing job” Yes, he signed a contract for his idea and he is the author! You and Abdi will make apart contract! So, you and Abdi are the writers.
*Some funds withdrew their support” You are not telling again the truth. None of the funds and producer withdrew their support.
*The crew travelled to Somaliland” without preparing anything. So, you are not succeeded. Nothing to do with any other reason. Because, you was so arrogant and stupid. That is why I said “showing the European writer and think better to know things because he lives in Europe"? You think you know a lot about Somaliland? If it was so, you had made the movie. But you didn’t! So, you don’t know anything about Somaliland. Yes, I state Abdi studied scriptwriting and directing. You said “He didn’t. Abdi graduated as a documentary filmmaker”. Even he graduated as a documentary filmmaker, is that means he can’t write and direct? You said you know film making. What is wrong with you? But he did not graduate documentary!!!! Abdi was not your friend, he was your collage. Yes, as you said “ Abdi was a dreamer I don’t know if he was an artist. But his collages’ bettered him at the end! Yes, that has made him sick!!!!! Because, you didn’t help him at all!!!!!!
Oh who is sick? If I was you after so stupid mistake even I don’t want to celebrate a new year. But you will celebrate a new year because you don’t care. If I was you...... We call it here in Somaliland what happen to you and producers the 2010 Stupid mistake!!!! So, you got the stupid Award of 2010 from Somaliland amateur film makers. We were thinking we can learn a lot about film production and cinema but we are really disappointed. I think you can learn better from us than we from you. Because you are not professionals, before we know we were exited but after we know you. Oh, my God! There are also unprofessional people in Holland and France? Actually you and your producers. Specially the French mafia producer. I wish you wisdom and respect to the other culture in 2011. I wish your director Ibrahim best 2011. He really professional and he respect us!
Give answer for the questions for what I mentioned because you stated in your answer. If you speak the truth give the answer. It is so easy do right ill and to cloth. For example until the end you was saying you wrote alone the script, but now you mentioned .......name how? But, we know better , we prepared better, that is why you didn’t had any chance in Somaliland.
Oh, I think I understand... Before I started writing the screenplay there was another writer. She also visited Somaliland with Abdi and started at a screenplay but never finished it. I started from scratch but I wrote one scene based on something she had written. She was my scripteditor. Should you have access to a copy of my screenplay: here name is on the front page.
You your self wrote on 25 November 2010, you can read it. All the characters (apart from Queleh and his parents), the plot, the subplot, the actions (apart from the soap and rain scene: Heleen Suèr wrote that) and the dialogue are figments of my imagination and research (including interviews with Abdi and numerous other Somalians.) Now you are saying 30 dec."I started from scratch but I wrote one scene based on something she had written." Oh, what a lie! What a writer? If you call yourself a writer.
As a sort of New Year´s resolution I will remove our fruitless discussion tomorrow. (Only Ali's remark made sense and that's why you probably chose to ignore it.) I hope the new year will bring you reason and some plain human decency. Maybe we'll meet in Hargeisa.
Well, I think no one will ever try to go shoot a film in Somaliland again. Your story and Jamal's sense of "logic" makes it sound like the Wild West of Africa.
I have just come across this blog and I heard the story on the local Somaliland websites. I don't know anything about and as I don't know any facts about it, it will be unreasonable to take sides. I so much wanted this film to come out and it was unfortunate that it has to end this way. I really hope that some sort of solution will be reached in a win-win mentality. Money is majority of the time a problem. The fact that the lead ethnic actors in such films as 'City of God'' or ''The Gods must be Crazy'' were paid mere fractions of what their white colluges got. (For example: Despite the film having grossed over $100 million worldwide, Nǃxau reportedly earned less than $2,000 for his starring role. Before his death, Uys supplemented this with an additional $20,000 as well as a monthly stipend. Wikipedia).
Again I am not here to side or judge against anybody despite reading all the exchanges. But I hope that one day it will end in a happy ending in honor of Abdi My god have mercy on his soul
Our film would have been made with Somali actors only. Our budget was a mere fraction of that of the films you mention. I am now back in Somaliland to see if it is possible to restart the project; it will be difficult because the producers lost a lot of money when they were forced to pull out. Watch this space!
What an outrageous lie! I had dinner with Hassan tonight at Imperial Hotel. He only fought for his principles. In addition, you know the real reason why the film failed. It is simply because you and your producers are unprofessional, greedy and did not do their Homework properly. So don’t blame it on Hassan or the Somalilanders. We may be poor but we stand for our principles. We also know professionals when we see one. You are not!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenJamal
Hello Jamal,
BeantwoordenVerwijderenCould you name the principles you stand for?
Roelof
Since Jamal has not been able or willing to honour us with an answer, here's a brief summary of the events that lead to the (temporary) termination of our plans.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenA group of people who (claim they) were members of Abdi's clan, demanded a sum of approx. $ 100.000 from the budget that several state funds (in France, Canada and the Netherlands) contributed to the film.
Part of the sum ($57.500) was for Ibrahim/Fakte (Abdi's half-brother) because he had set up a company in Somaliland at the request of Abdi (that is: he registered it with the Somaliland chamber of commerce at approx. $30) Fakte claimed he had paid $5000 to be producer of the film: a completely insane claim. He also stated that ' the film is for black people.'
Legally the producers were not obliged to pay anyone in Somaliland anything since Abdi's rights (a contractual €5000 idee fee) were inherited by his daughter who now lives in the USA.
However: the producers wanted to pay Abdi's mother $ 10.000 (again: although they were not legally oibliged to!) but spokespersons of the clan refused this offer.
Despite numerous attempts at explaining the legal situation, members of the clan (including Hassan of the Imperial) kept insisting they be paid or else....
The 'or else' in the end meant violence and destruction. At last violence indeed befell Kayse, our unit location manager.
Jamal mentions that the producers were greedy but they put forward their own money.
Jamal mentions that the producers are not profesionals: Michiel and Guillaume have produced numerous awardwinning films.
Jamal also mentions he and Hassan acted according to principles: apparently the principles of ignorance, racism, greed and violence.
Those are principles that are not shared by a vast majority of the Somaliland people.
Roelof
Mr Minneboo,
BeantwoordenVerwijderenAs usual you are very quick to judge without much reasoning. Of course I would give a response to justify my principles. It has nothing to do with honouring you (because I don’t honour Liars!) but I do honour the public that reads this blog.
My principles are the following:
First – I always stand for what is correct and true. To the contrary you try to hide between arguments. You didn’t even try to deny the fact that you lied when you reported that Hassan has been arrested for sabotaging your film.
Second – Even if he is no more with us Abdi deserves the recognition for the film he originated. He is also a co-writer. This is supported by a written and signed agreement and there is nothing you can do to change it! To the contrary, you tried to steal the credits of dead man by denying him his rights and benefits of a co-writer. So who is talking about principle?
Third – I believe in Same payment for Same work regardless of origin or colour! Unless you have a problem with maths Abdi’s family did not ask for 100,000 Euro. That is another one of your fabrications. Actually they asked the same amount you have been paid as a co-writer of the script plus the 5,000 euro for originating the film. What is wrong with that? If you got paid why not Abdi? So who is a racist now?
Forth – I should always justify what I say! You said that the producers forward their own money. This is another big lie. The producers did not pay a penny from their pocket. We know that the film got more than 1 million euro grant. You kept on assuming that Somalilanders are ignorant. But we are not. I can prove my statement with a statement of the financers and you know it. In addition the Clan you mentioned so many times does not claim the money. The clan negotiated on behalf of Abdi’s mother who is not able to cope with your twisting and untrue arguments.
Before I end my response despite the number of films Michiel and Guillaume have produced I still remain with my statement that they are not professionals. If they were as professional as you say they wouldn’t bring Kayse (someone without any experience in film business, a big-mouth and so detached from his culture) as their local manager. Professionalism has nothing to do with number of films or awards. Rather competence and ethics comes to the picture. There is a saying in our country “ the number of years in water does not make the stone swim”.
Finally, Mr Minneboo you are a man of words. You use to much of them without even bothering to justify what you are talking. It is easy to call people arrogant, racists, violent etc... as you have not presented a single evidence of these accusations your words only say too much about your behaviour and manners. What a character you own for someone who claims to be a writer?
I bid you farewell,
Jamal
There we go again....
BeantwoordenVerwijderenHello Jamal,
Same payment for same work, different payment for different work: I wrote the screenplay, alone. Abdi did not write a single word. The fact that Abdi is mentioned as a 'co-auteur' in a French contract doesn't change that: in French auteur is a more ambivalent word than writer, especially when film is concerned. Abdi agreed to the sum of EURO 5000 mentioned in the contract because he knew he would not write the screenplay. Ergo: I have not attempted to steal a dead man's rights: you and other members of the clan are trying to make money out of Abdi's death.
The total sum of the attemped extortion was $100.000: 55.500 for brother Ibrahim/Fakte and EURO 35.000 for the family. That is roughly $100.000.
I have never called anyone arrogant, I have called people violent (after an attack) and greedy (after insane and illegal financial demands0 and racist (when Fakte claimed that 'the film is for black people.')
Finally: i know for a fact that Michiel paid a lot of the expenses out of his own pocket. The fact that you appear to have the budget of the film is proveof our openness in these matters.
Roelof Jan
Part One of my Response
BeantwoordenVerwijderenMr Minneboo,
- Finally a little bit of truth cracked out from you! So there is a contract! And this contract states Abdi is a co writer (regardless of the French translation of “Co writer”). That is enough truth for me. But why did you or any of the producers mention it before? I tell you why. It is because you all thought Abdi is dead and nobody would know. But the truth you thought you buried followed you to Somaliland and smashed you on the face. Didn’t it?
- Despite the clear evidence you boldly said that Abdi did not write a single word. You have a great talent of changing and twisting arguments! Let me give you another evidence to prove Abdi is a co-writer. The same French producer (the very thought of him makes me smile) who signed the above mentioned contract clearly stated on his grant application to ACP and other donors that the screen play of Queleh is written by Roelof Jan Minneboo and Abdi Ismail Jama. Do you want to check this information? Please visit the following WebPages posted by the financers of the film and the French Producer
o http://www.acpfilms.eu/htdocs/modules/projets/visit.php?fileid=32
o http://www.acpfilms.eu/htdocs/uploads/projets/2_6-QUELEH-en.pdf
I can suggest more websites and information sourses. I told you before Mr. Minneboo. I always justify my statements with evidence.
Part three
BeantwoordenVerwijderen- You said that you know for sure that Dutch Producer paid money out of his pocket. This is not true! What happened to the 300,000 euro grant given by the Dutch Film Fund? I bet the fund would be delighted to know the producer decided to finance the film from his private money! I am not sure if the Dutch Film Fund would be very happy to know you and the producers are denying its generous contribution to the film. May be I should drop an e-mail to them?
- You mentioned your reason for calling us names (violent racist etc). The “attack” you tried to use as a security hazard has been a dispute between your bigmouth Kayse and another person over insulting words of Kayse. This has nothing to do with you or the film. Try and tell me this would never happen in the peaceful Europe. You also very well remember that the people who got into fight with Kayse and some of his clam members are arrested. There is justice in Somaliland too. But you exaggerated this simple incident to a security hazard so that you can stop the film and convince your financers to cancel the debt. How convenient! Not only that your reason for calling us racists is too shallow and shows how shallow you are. I don’t need to say more. The readers can judge.
- Finally you keep forgetting to update us on Hassan’s imprisonment! Is he out? You have a wild imagination Mr. Minneboo. Anyways, he sends you his regard from Imperial Hotel.
Farewell,
Jamal
Part two
BeantwoordenVerwijderen- Now let us talk about the maths thing and the amount of money claimed by Abdi’s family. Again you are trying to twist arguments. The contract says the 5000 euro Abdi gets is for originating the idea of the film. So why do you mix it up with the benefits of a co-writer. The Family claimed this plus 25,000 euro for co-writing the script (the same amount of money you got as a co-writer). This sums to 30,000 euro. You mentioned about the claim of 55.500 by Abid’s brother Ibrahim/Fakte. You very well remember that our Minister of Information who has been trying to arbitrate this issue clearly stated this claim is groundless and he only consider the claim of the family which is supported by written and signed contract. However, let me refresh your memory here why Fakte came to the picture and claimed this money.
- When your “professional” French producer filed applications to various grants he needed a company in Somaliland as a co-producer to strengthen his credibility. He asked Fakte to be a local co-producer and supply the necessary documentations. Fakte did provided these documentations and was promised a role of a local co-producer. But when you guys got the grant approved you kicked Fackte out without even letting him know that he is out of the film or bothering to give him a reason why. Don’t you think he deserves an explanation from the “professional” producers? To make things worse you brought Kayse Askar in Faktes role. To make things even worse Kayse is from a different clan than Fakte is and there is a prevalent tension between these two clans. Let me ask you this Mr. Minneboo. Wouldn’t a professional producer communicate such important decisions to all involved? Shouldn’t he think ahead the consequences of his decisions and actions? Your “Professional” and “award winning” producers can’t even do these simple things. The consequence is conflict and misunderstanding. Perhaps you and the producers have been aiming for that. All their actions seem to support this reasoning.
Jamal,
BeantwoordenVerwijderenA lot of words don't necesarilly support the truth.
When state funds promise to support a film they don't just transfer the money to an account. Part of the money is paid after the production has finished. In the case of Queleh, the Dutch film fund had not transferred any money at all, hence my claim that the expenses (travel, rental etc.) had been made by producer Michiel himself. Furthermore, in his budget it is clearly stated that his producer's fee was re-invested into the production of the film: he would not make a single penny.
About Abdi's rights: although he is mentioned as a co-auteur in one contract, he did not write a single word. There is a lot of evidence to support this fact. Should you have had the decency to take your arguments to court in stead of threatening us, you would have seen this evidence. Moreover: Abdi agreed and signed to the sum of EURO 5000 for his idea.
The case of Fakte: Abdi asked him to set up the company in Somaliland but from the start the producers knew that Fakte wasn't up to the work he thought he would do. For instance: he claimed that car rental would be a hundred dollars a car a day. It turned out to be 50 to 70.
When Abdi died Fakte claimed that the film was his. He left the country bankrupt and was never heard of again. You appear to know a lot about professionalism. Does Fakte qualify as a professional in any way?
We wanted to make an honest non-commercial arthouse film that honours the history of Somaliland, like Abdi wanted. You just want to make money.
Send my regards to Hassan, if my information about his imprisonment turns out te be incorrect, I appologize. You should consider to do the same.
ps:
Please send emails to any fund you like: messages from greedy individuals such as yourself will only justify the producers' decisions.
pps: 'This film is for black people' can only be seen as a racist remark.
Just a little peek into the mind of Fakte/Ibrahim. Last week he sent me this message: (English translation at the bottom.)
BeantwoordenVerwijderenBeste Bandieten,
De film van Abdi is niet dood, de somaliers willen de film maken.
Roeloof moet ophouden te beweren dat de film is verkocht aan Guillaume
Guillaume heeft een falce contract gemaakt. de handtekening die opstaat op de contract en die van Abdi passeport comen niet overeen
Roeloof is mede oplichter, ....
Roeloof moet ook ophouden te beweren dat de is film is van hem.
Dear Bandits,
Abdi’s film isn’t dead, the Somalis want to make the film.
Roelof must stop saying that the film is sold to Guillaume.
Guillaume made a false contract: Abdi’s signature on the contract isn’t the same as on his passport.
Roelof is also a swindler.
Roelof must also stop claiming that the film is his
Fakte
Yes! Lots of words don't necessarily support the truth. - It seems you learned a good lesson. You should tell this to yourself again and again.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenIt seems you have a habit of cracking to a little bit of truth when confronted and under pressure. Why didn’t you say a word about state fund before? There is a big difference between financing a film by your own money and getting a state fund in different transfers. i.e you will get back any advance you put into the film.
About Abdi's rights: You seem to be stuck on this. There is a contract and lots of evidence to prove that Abdi is a co-writer of the film. You convinced yourself for two years that you are the sole write because Abdi is dead and you thought he would not be able to defend his rights. Well, wake up amigo you cannot bury the truth it seems. So you better get used to the fact however painful it may be. Let me repeat it to you. Abdi Ismail Jama is an originator and a co-writer of Queleh. I don’t need to go to court to have this proved. It is you who need to defend your lie.
I never said Fakte is a professional. But the producer who engaged Fakte just to secure a fund and dismissed him later is even more unprofessional. You said Fakte misinformed you about a price of car rental. You misinformed a lot of people about a very important matter (Abid’s rights and a reputation of a nation). Which one is more dangerous and ugly? By the way you never say a word about your “professional” local producer Kayse! How come?
You wanted to make an honest non-commercial art house film? This is far from the truth. You pocketed more than 25,000 euro for the film you didn’t even write by your own. How does this make the film non-commercial? Your French producer collected money from every corner and doesn’t even sign contracts with the local people he hires so that he can fake prices. I bet he is now trying to convince the financers close the contract without asking him to pay pack the money. This is profit and theft in the name of non-commercial art house film. And you don’t know the first thing about Honesty!
Sure, I will pass your apologies and regard to Hassan. Next time you accuse someone on false grounds and lie about their whereabouts be sure to bear the legal consequences.
You can be sure all the funds will hear officially the truth about what happened in Somaliland regarding the film. Your reason to call us racist is hilarious. Again your generalization is too quick and without much reasoning. You can call me greedy or thousand other names. But you cannot prove any word you write. As I said before, you own a surprisingly shallow character for someone who claims to be a writer.
Farewell
Jamal
If it wasn't for the fact that you write that I 'pocketed more than 25.000 euro for the film you didn't even write by your own' I would have deleted all of your crap.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenYou can't prove that Abdi co-wrote the screenplay ( I wonder if you have even read it....) Show me prove that he wrote anything: scenes, rough versions, whatever.... Fakte has Abdi's laptop.
Abdi would have directed the film, had he not died. I am the person who tried to make sure the film was made anyway: to honour Abdi and the history of Somaliland. NOT TO MAKE SHITLOADS OF MONEY. I CAN DO THAT AS A CONSULTANT HERE IN AMSTERDAM!
I SLAVED AT THE SCREENPLAY FOR MORE THAN FOUR YEARS AND I DID IT ON MY OWN! I have earned an estimated 2 EUROs for every hour I worked on Abdi's film and my screenplay: A REAL LABOUR OF LOVE!
You don't understand a single bit of how (arthouse) films are produced. You are surprised that the film was funded by state funds? I told that at a dozen meetings I had with representatives of Abdi's family and clan in Hargeisa. Do you really think that private investors would put money towards a film with non-professional actors in the Somali language?
Please contact the funds! Please do! Tell them your 'truth!'
An you better be sure to bear the legal consequences if you mention once more that I am trying to profit from Abdi's death.
Mr. Minneboo,
BeantwoordenVerwijderenYou sound ANGRY! Your mail screams fury. Well I leave you to it because it is a small price for not always telling the truth. I hope you learned a lesson.
Yes I can prove Abdi is a co-writer. As I said it again and again there is a valid signed contract and dozens of website (I gave you some linked before) to this effect. What are you going to do about it?
Well, good luck with the consulting business. I wonder who hires a person who can’t even make a well informed and rational statement as a “consultant”. But again that is what “consultants” do. Right?
I have no doubt you slaved at the screen play. It is just that Abdi did too (and for longer than 4 years). So he deserves the same benefit or more. This is a fair claim. You did not do anything by your own. Don’t try to grasp all the credits.
I may not be an expert in the film business. But allow me to ask this. Are you a professional in the film business? Did you study filmmaking? Where? Did you make any film before? Of course, I and my colleagues know the film has been financed by state funds. It is YOU who said that the producers put in their own money into the film and it is another big lie. (You can read you posting in this blog to refresh your memory)
Are you threatening me with legal consequences for telling the truth? I repeat the truth not only once but thousand times. Abdi Ismail Jama is a co-writer of Queleh. And you and your producers are trying to profit from Abdi’s death. There! I said it. Please go to court Mr. Minneboo. I truly believe in the legal system and would be happy to receive your court summon. Until then,
I bid you farewell
Jamal
P.s Don’t answer selectively to issues raised in our discussions. You never replied about Keyse, your French producer or the fact that your claim of security concerns is just crap! I always answered for all your points and questions. It would be fair to do the same.
This is becoming a fucking bore...
BeantwoordenVerwijderenA You can't prove that Abdi wrote the screenplay: there might be a contract that mentions him as a 'co-auteur' but that doesn't mean he wrote anything. BECAUSE HE DIDN'T! Please show me anything he wrote: Fakte has his laptop computer! Besides: Abdi agreed on a 5000 EURO fee. He also agreed (verbally) on a director's fee of around 40.000 EURO. It is a great tragedy that he died before he could direct the film. In that sense only director Abraham Haile Biru could be said to 'profit'from Abdi's death, but that is just as sick as claiming that I profited from my friend's death...
B You dispute a number of contracts, ergo you had a legal issue, ergo: had you been in any way civilized, you would have taken us to court in stead of threatening us.
C The producers re-invested their producers fee into the film and the paid a lot of expenses up front.(By the way: I also put forward part of my fees to be re-invested in the project.)
D I am a professional in the film business: I studied History of Art and Culture, English literature and screenwriting at the University of Amsterdam (and a term at the University of York) and make money as a scriptwriter, a script consultant, an arteducation consultant and as a film teacher. I wrote and produced two short films (one with Abdi as a director AND NOT AS A CO-WRITER), and wrote a number of feature screenplays. (By the way: are you a professional extortionist? Did you go to pirate school?)
E If Kayse is - as you say - of the wrong clan, to me that is proof of how dark and sordid (and 'clannist') you are.
F The Minister of Information and National Guidance forbade us to start filming. He could not guarantee the safety of our crew and equipment. That is a security issue, certainly in a country where smart people like you become obsessed when they think they smell money.
G I can't even remember what your issues with the French producer are...
Your selection with regards to answering issues raised:
Fakte claiming that 'this film is for black people'(he meant that it should be made by black people and the money should all go into black people's pockets) is a racist remark. Or do you dispute that?
Why didn't you take us to court? You say you believe in the legal system: act accordingly.
Please forward your full name and contact information so I can take you to court for slander.
About my answer A (in case you think you smell even more money and claim $ 150.000 'for the family'.)
BeantwoordenVerwijderenAbdi would have made a considerable amount of money if he would have directed the film. Tragically he died (before I finished the screenplay and before the complete budget was secured, but those are different matters...)so we had to find someone else to direct: Abraham Haile Biru, who negotiated a fee of EURO 60.000 for his directing and d.o.p. job.
Why don't you try to wrench some money out of him? He is the only one who technically profited from Abdi's death... And you lot lof course.
I nearly forgot: you haven't told me if you read the screenplay or not...
...you claim that Abdi wrote the screenplay for more than four years: not true. An assistant teacher at Abdi's film school, Heleen Suèr, started writing the screenplay around 2004 (or thereabouts.) She visited Somaliland with Abdi in 2005.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenShe gave up writing in 2006. Abdi went looking for another writer and found me. I started from scratch. Only one small scene of her work is in the current version. Mrs Suèr was my scripteditor on Queleh. She also fought to have Abdi's film made. She was heartbroken by your sabotage.
Mr. Minneboo,
BeantwoordenVerwijderen- I wouldn’t lose my manners and swear obscene on a public forum as you just did. But yes, it is becoming really boring because you don’t believe in reasoning and evidence but only in the lie you made yourself believe. I presented written and signed contract plus a number of sources where Abdi is stated as a co-writer. You couldn’t provide a single evidence to prove you are the sole writer of the screenplay. If you don’t believe in a contract then what else do you believe in? I thought you “Civilized” people respected contracts. You can write in thousand bold capital letters as many times as you wish. But the truth remains that Abdi Ismel Jama is the co-writer of Queleh.
- It is you who threaten to take me to court. So here is my full name is Jamal Ismail Abbas from Hargeisa. You can send the court summon to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and you can be sure that I will receive it. I would look forward to your court summon eagerly. Where would the trail be? In the “uncivilized” Somaliland as you called it, or Europe. I am up for both.
- Your educational background and profile sounds interesting. I respect the History of Art and Culture and English literature education and profession. But the fact remains you did not study filmmaking and you are not a filmmaker. So spare me your lecture about art house and commercial films until you actually make one. You never wrote a script before and Abdi gave you the first opportunity. Alas, you denied him all his credits instead of thanking him. Mr. Minneboo, no, I did not study extortionism and I regret to tell you there are no pirate schools in Somaliland. Did you go to one yourself? Your stereotyping is as outrageous as your lie.
- Kayse I never said he is from the “wrong clan”. Because there are no wrong clans in Somaliland or anywhere else in the world. I said he is from a different clan than Fakte and these two clans compete for recourses. There is a big difference between “different” and “wrong”. A professional writer would defiantly know that. Since the formulation “wrong clan” came from you, you are the “dark”, “sordid” and “clannist” one. By the way, one can really make a dictionary of dirty words from your blog texts. How “civilized” of you Mr. Minneboo?
Part two
BeantwoordenVerwijderen-The Minister of Information and National Guidance did not forbid you from filming. You were asked to do what you should have done long time ago. This is another glaring evidence of neither you nor your producers are professionals. You simply ignored the issue that needs to be addressed until the last day. The Minister spent considerable time with you in order to solve this issue. But you were so eager to label Somaliland “unsecured”, “uncivilised”, “racist” etc. By the way in this same blog you wrote the authorities of Somaliland begged you to stay and make the film. Your words are contradictory but as usual that does not bother you.
- Your definition of “racist” as narrow as your other arguments and thinking. I don’t need to say more. But I recommend a dictionary. I hope you will read this blog again after some years and realized how matured you became over the years.
You are not only a professional liar but also an expert at badmouthing people. I don’t have any issues with Abraham Haiele Birru. It seems you have issues to bring him into this discussion unnecessarily. As far as I know he agreed to direct the film after Abdi died. I don’t see any problem in people negotiating their fee for an honest labor. What would be wrong is people trying to steal other people’s credit and especially of those who cannot defend themselves. Mr. Minneboo, mind you, I never questioned why you get 25,000 euro. That is what you have negotiated with the producers. I only asked Abdi should get the same. So I have the same stand when it comes to Mr. Haiele Birru. I am not to judge how much he is worth. I would have the same problems with him that I have with you if he ever attempts to disrespect Abdi or compromise Abdi’s rights and credits. But we have all observed for sure he is a much better and decent person than the bunch of you. We never heard him badmouthing or discrediting Abdi. He has been respectful to Abdi’s family and our people. He actually tried to discuss with us and seek solutions. You should really be embarrassed to badmouth him and accuse him of “Profiting from Abdi’s death”. Your words are putting you as lower than a village bigmouth.
Yes, I read the screenplay in and out and I see Abdi in every page.
Farwell,
Jamal
Deze reactie is verwijderd door de auteur.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenDeze reactie is verwijderd door de auteur.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenRepeat, repeat, repeat
BeantwoordenVerwijderenAbdi signed a (French) contract as a co-auteur based on the initial idea he came up with: a film about a boy in Somaliland who flees the country because of the civil war. Hence the fee of EURO 5000 for Abdi as the 'auteur' (not the writer) of the idea and 25.000 for me as the writer of the screenplay.
All the characters (apart from Queleh and his parents), the plot, the subplot, the actions (apart from the soap and rain scene: Heleen Suèr wrote that) and the dialogue are figments of my imagination and research (including interviews with Abdi and numerous other Somalians.)
That's how screenwriters work.
Some more loose ends before we wrap this up and - inshallah- meet in court:
BeantwoordenVerwijderenI have only 'badmouthed' the extortionists who thought they smelled money. I have not written a single bad word about Abdi or Abraham.
I have never mentioned a definition of racisms: I -justly- claimed that the remark 'this film is for black people' is a racist remark.
A lesson in filmproduction: there is a difference between making a film and writing a film. I have written and made two short films and I have written a dozen of screenplays for feature films. Filmmakers (especially directors and DOPs are educated at filmschools. Producers and writers come from various backgrounds: theatre, literature etc.
Thanks for writing that you see Abdi in every page. A real compliment!
Dear Mr. Minneboo,
BeantwoordenVerwijderenYou can repeat 1000 times but the fact remains the same. Abdi is a co-writer of Queleh. The only way you can change is by presenting solid evidence that he is not.
You accused Abraham Haiele Birru of profiting from Abdi's death. You deprived Abdi of his rights. Just read your previous posts to see I am correct. “Badmouthing” is a very mild word to use to express your actions and attitude.
About the script, sure , but the compliment goes for both you and Abdi.
I still did not receive your court summon. I hope you have not forgotten about it.
Farewell,
Jamal
Hello Jamal,
BeantwoordenVerwijderenYou keep twisting words... I never accused Abraham of profiting from Abdi's death: I merely claimed that he is the only one who would have made less money had Abdi lived. I mentioned this in a sarcastic remark in which I expressed my surprise at the fact that you never tried to extort money from him. Unfortunately you don't seem to understand sarcasm.
I never deprived Abdi of his rights. His rights are clearly stated in multiple contracts. You are not interested in anyone's rights: you are simply after money.
You want proof of my sole authorship of the screenplay. The proof is on the front page of all the 11 drafts of the screenplay, not in the contract that mentions him as the 'auteur' of the idea at a fee that is a fraction of that of the writer (me.) I asked you repeatedly to present scenes, versions etc. by Abdi's hand. I even told you where you could find them had they excisted: in Abdi's laptop computer that is in his brother Fakte's possession.
I am currently attempting to officially sue you for slander. The problem is that the Somaliland judiciary system is not equipped - as far as I can assess presently - to deal with my case (sarcastic use of euphemism).
You would be a bit less of an extortionist bully if you would forward me your contact details in stead of namedropping (or titledropping) the Minister of Foreign Affairs as your p.o. box.
See you,
Roelof Jan
Part one!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenHumm! Sarcasm? How interesting! What a cleaver and easy way of escaping an argument? No, I am not sarcastic Mr. Meeniboo. I say what I want to say directly and try to back it with evidence. Yes you deprived Abdi of his rights. The contract you are talking about clearly stated Abdi is a co writer. You are trying to downgrade the meaning of “co-writer” to the minimum possible. I think there is a difference between originating an idea and co-writing a screenplay. So enough with the twisting of words and phrases to you convenience. Your understanding of evidence is rather strange. The versions of the scripts you are talking about are your fabrications. If you are brave enough to deny a fact confirmed by a signed contract what would stop you from deleting Abdi’s name from the scripts? In addition I also sent you a web link of dozens of documents (some produced by you producers and including the submission to the donors of the film) that state Abdi as a co-writer. So, if you think the draft scripts in your computer suffice as evidence these are a stronger counter evidences for you.
Extortionists are those who claim money that they don’t deserve. I only claimed what are legitimately Abdi’s rights for his family that needs his support. Did you expect us to let you or your greedy producers have his share? So you better stop calling me Extortionists. It doesn’t bother me if you keep on doing it because you are an expert in name-calling and badmouthing people.
Part Two!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenRegarding the court summon I eagerly expect My P.O. Box is 726 But if the Somaliland judiciary system is not equipped I bet the civilized European courts have the competence.
By the way, don’t think you have succeeded in killing Abdi’s dream. We don’t need a bunch of losers like you to make it a reality. We the Somalilanders will make the film the way Abdi wanted it. Go ahead and shout about your rights on the script. Since you are paid for your contribution only Abdi’s share remain that would enable us to make the film independently. We are already mobilising money locally and from the Somali Diaspora. We will also contact some members of your crew that had a positive outlook of our people, our culture and Abdi. We don’t necessarily need you to tell our story Mr. Minneboo.
Farewell,
Jamal
I was wondering where Mr. Minneboo (as Jamal call hem) is. Actually I am not computer person. But I was following the discussion between Jamal and Minneboo. If it was a football game Minneboo lost 10 to 0.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenI am glad that you admit “All the characters (apart from Queleh and his parents), the plot, the subplot, the actions (apart from the soap and rain scene: Heleen Suèr wrote that). That is for the first time because until now you was saying “I wrote it alone”. Now you are saying: Heleen Suèr wrote that. Please, Minneboo tell us the truth. Which part is yours and which part is Abdi’s. Because Abdi can’t talk.
“You Profiting from Abdi’s death” Mr. minneboo.
Yes, we respect the really people hoe was working very hard to make the movie. From the beginning until the end. We respect him because he is reasonable, he respect our people and he respect our culture. That is why he deserved respect from the ministry of Information and just the Minister want only to talk to Abraham not to you or the mafia producer and the silly Dutch producer.
There is no point to discuss Minneboo. You lost all. It is a shame. You didn’t wrote the script alone. A film who a lot of people working for a long time impossible to fall down like that. What a producers, they are losers. The French producer we know from the first day he was a mafia. But I don’t understand hoe gave you so much money?
You said “(especially directors and DOPs are educated at film schools. Producers and writers come from various backgrounds: theatre, literature etc.” That is not true. Because we know Abdi studied Script writing and directing. What are you talking about?
My God, what a losers. I admire Jamal for how he put the points. Thank you Jamal for showing the European “writer” and civilized film makers what the points are. And Jamal is not a film maker.
Yes, if is God will we will make the movie by our self as Abdi wanted. With out any interest like you and your producers.
Even Abdi is dead but his sprit is still in Somaliland, you came here and you lost totally!!!!!
Hello Mubarek,
BeantwoordenVerwijderenI give up: there is no use trying to explain what you don't want to understand.
Here is my final reaction:
*Abdi had an idea for a film
*Abdi found a writer (Heleen)
*Heleen had to give up
*Abdi found another writer (me)
*The writer wrote the screenplay based on Abdi's idea, without any funding (no money)
*Abdi and the writer found producers
*Abdi signed a contract for his idea and his forthcoming directing job
*The writer wrote a contract for the screenplay
*The producers approached various funds
*A couple of funds reacted positively: they would support the film as soon as the whole budget was covered.
*Abdi died before he was paid for his idea and before he could do his job as a director.
*Fakte revealed that he was in fact Abdi's brother and started making unrealistic claims on 'the film'
*Some funds withdrew their support
*A producer withdrew
*The writer found another producer
*The producers (old and new) continued the funding process
*Funding was finally completed
*The crew travelled to Somaliland, started the production but were forced to stop because of attempted extortion, threats and violence from Abdi's family/clan.
Mr Mubarek, you are as ignorant as you are racially biased: why thank Jamal for "showing the European writer"? What has me being European to do with the situation? I never called anyone "African"... The fact that you emphasize the fact that I am a European writer is pitiful. You state that Abdi studied scriptwriting and directing. He didn’t. Abdi graduated as a documentary filmmaker.
Abdi was a friend of mine. When he went missing I headed the search and when he was found dead, I helped bury him. Abdi was an artist, a dreamer.
The behaviour of the likes of you would have made him sick.
i met Mr Minneboo & Abdi in The hague 2006 they told me Mr Minneboo is the screen writer , that is all i know .
BeantwoordenVerwijderenAli
Yes, you must give up because it doesn’t have any sense, to repeat things. You make me sick because; your producers admit you were a co-writer. Abdi is not with us he can’t talk. As you said “he was your friend” but I don’t believe you at all. If he was your friend you will fight for his right and everything, but you didn’t. Stronger you want to Stoll his right not only you also the Mafia French producer and the old producer Maarck. That is why you don’t want to involve Fakte. Because he know more. But at the end Fakte won! That is why you are not succeeded in Somaliland!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenYes, Abdi had an idea and not only idea but he had also a story stolen by you.
Yes, you admit Heleen wrote a part of it, but until short time you were saying you wrote the script. Why so late. Why you didn’t admit at the beginning?
*”Abdi and the writer found producers” Is this true? Abdi and you found a producer or there are another persons involved? Still you are laying Mioooooo. Be honest!
*”Abdi signed a contract for his idea and his forthcoming directing job” Yes, he signed a contract for his idea and he is the author! You and Abdi will make apart contract! So, you and Abdi are the writers.
*Some funds withdrew their support” You are not telling again the truth. None of the funds and producer withdrew their support.
*The crew travelled to Somaliland” without preparing anything. So, you are not succeeded. Nothing to do with any other reason.
Because, you was so arrogant and stupid. That is why I said “showing the European writer and think better to know things because he lives in Europe"? You think you know a lot about Somaliland? If it was so, you had made the movie. But you didn’t! So, you don’t know anything about Somaliland.
Yes, I state Abdi studied scriptwriting and directing. You said “He didn’t. Abdi graduated as a documentary filmmaker”. Even he graduated as a documentary filmmaker, is that means he can’t write and direct? You said you know film making. What is wrong with you? But he did not graduate documentary!!!!
Abdi was not your friend, he was your collage. Yes, as you said “ Abdi was a dreamer I don’t know if he was an artist. But his collages’ bettered him at the end! Yes, that has made him sick!!!!!
Because, you didn’t help him at all!!!!!!
Hello Hassen! And yet another ill-informed sod joins the discussion...
BeantwoordenVerwijderenOh who is sick? If I was you after so stupid mistake even I don’t want to celebrate a new year. But you will celebrate a new year because you don’t care. If I was you...... We call it here in Somaliland what happen to you and producers the 2010 Stupid mistake!!!! So, you got the stupid Award of 2010 from Somaliland amateur film makers. We were thinking we can learn a lot about film production and cinema but we are really disappointed. I think you can learn better from us than we from you. Because you are not professionals, before we know we were exited but after we know you. Oh, my God! There are also unprofessional people in Holland and France? Actually you and your producers. Specially the French mafia producer. I wish you wisdom and respect to the other culture in 2011. I wish your director Ibrahim best 2011. He really professional and he respect us!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenGive answer for the questions for what I mentioned because you stated in your answer. If you speak the truth give the answer. It is so easy do right ill and to cloth. For example until the end you was saying you wrote alone the script, but now you mentioned .......name how? But, we know better , we prepared better, that is why you didn’t had any chance in Somaliland.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenHello Hassen. I'm afraid you are too lingually challenged for me to understand your rambling...
BeantwoordenVerwijderenOh, I think I understand... Before I started writing the screenplay there was another writer. She also visited Somaliland with Abdi and started at a screenplay but never finished it. I started from scratch but I wrote one scene based on something she had written. She was my scripteditor. Should you have access to a copy of my screenplay: here name is on the front page.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenYou your self wrote on 25 November 2010, you can read it.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenAll the characters (apart from Queleh and his parents), the plot, the subplot, the actions (apart from the soap and rain scene: Heleen Suèr wrote that) and the dialogue are figments of my imagination and research (including interviews with Abdi and numerous other Somalians.)
Now you are saying 30 dec."I started from scratch but I wrote one scene based on something she had written."
Oh, what a lie! What a writer? If you call yourself a writer.
Hello Hassen, Jamal and Mubarek,
BeantwoordenVerwijderenAs a sort of New Year´s resolution I will remove our fruitless discussion tomorrow. (Only Ali's remark made sense and that's why you probably chose to ignore it.)
I hope the new year will bring you reason and some plain human decency. Maybe we'll meet in Hargeisa.
Well, I think no one will ever try to go shoot a film in Somaliland again. Your story and Jamal's sense of "logic" makes it sound like the Wild West of Africa.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenI have just come across this blog and I heard the story on the local Somaliland websites. I don't know anything about and as I don't know any facts about it, it will be unreasonable to take sides. I so much wanted this film to come out and it was unfortunate that it has to end this way. I really hope that some sort of solution will be reached in a win-win mentality. Money is majority of the time a problem. The fact that the lead ethnic actors in such films as 'City of God'' or ''The Gods must be Crazy'' were paid mere fractions of what their white colluges got. (For example: Despite the film having grossed over $100 million worldwide, Nǃxau reportedly earned less than $2,000 for his starring role. Before his death, Uys supplemented this with an additional $20,000 as well as a monthly stipend. Wikipedia).
BeantwoordenVerwijderenAgain I am not here to side or judge against anybody despite reading all the exchanges. But I hope that one day it will end in a happy ending in honor of Abdi My god have mercy on his soul
Hello Aafi.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenOur film would have been made with Somali actors only. Our budget was a mere fraction of that of the films you mention. I am now back in Somaliland to see if it is possible to restart the project; it will be difficult because the producers lost a lot of money when they were forced to pull out. Watch this space!