International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Research

Authors
Suzan Al Kalliny

Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the effect of drama on young adults in the MENA region and explore the degree to which tarsier film Company was successful in starting positive intellectual and emotional responses in the arabic speaking world to promote values such as: pluralism, human rights, women`s rights, and fairness in the criminal justice system while taking a stand against the use of religion to promote violent extremism. This study was commissioned by el-Tayseer Film Company, in partnership with the US government as they prepared to create a sequel for the highly successful 2008 production "The Fugitive" which aired during Ramadan. Since the producers and writers of the "The Fugitive II" planned to rely upon the same strategies used in the original series to create a drama that was both highly entertaining and embedded with key social messages, this study focused on the original series to gauge the success of the writers and producers in promoting cross-cultural understanding and increasing awareness of key human rights issues. The study was completed in advance of post-production work on "The Fugitive II", so that findings on the original series could inform the sequel, if necessary, to ensure that the production is relevant to young adults in the MENA and able to effectively relay social, cultural, and religious messages of tolerance and cross- cultural understanding.