House of Gods

Television ABC
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New for 2023

Created by Osamah Sami and Shahin Shafaei, House of Gods is a tale of faith, family, secrets and lies that takes audiences behind the walls of an Imam’s family and the community he leads, exploring the personal cost of power and ambition. Matchbox Pictures production for the ABC.

Major production investment from Screen Australia in association with the ABC. Financed with support from Screen NSW with Universal International Studios managing international sales. Matchbox Pictures is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group. Producers Sheila Jayadev, Bree-Anne Sykes. Executive Producers Blake Ayshford, Debbie Lee. ABC Executive Producer: Brett Sleigh.

From Screen Australia

Screen Australia and the ABC are pleased to announce the commission of a compelling, new six-part drama series House of Gods, set to air on ABC and ABC iview in 2023.

Set in Western Sydney and produced by Matchbox Pictures, House of Gods is a gripping tale of faith, family, secrets and lies, which takes audiences behind the walls of an iman’s family and the Australian Arab/Iraqi community he leads. The series explores the personal cost of influence and ambition as the Iman, Sheikh Mohammad, and his family grapple with newfound power, politics and privilege.

The son of a Head Cleric, co-creator and writer Osamah Sami (Ali’s Wedding, Savage River) has drawn on his own, real-life experiences to share his beloved community, in all its colour and flaws, with audiences.

Screen Australia’s Head of Content Grainne Brunsdon says “The creative team behind House of Gods bring to the table a fascinating and culturally authentic story that, while set locally, has an undeniable global appeal. Audiences here and around the world will be captivated by this intricate, well-crafted and moving story.”

Sally Riley, ABC Head of Drama, Entertainment and Indigenous, says “For the first time, our drama audience will become immersed in this fascinating world, steeped in tradition, and custom. Osamah, co-creator Shanin Shafaei and the Matchbox team have created a collection of intriguing characters and a riveting storyline with all the elements of a world class drama. We cannot wait to film in Western Sydney next year.”

Alastair McKinnon, Matchbox Pictures Managing Director, said “House of Gods is a strikingly original and thrilling tale of family, power and privilege set within a community rarely, if ever, seen on our screens. Osamah, Blake and the entire creative team have crafted something truly unique and compelling that will grip audiences to the very end.”

House of Gods is created by Osamah Sami and Shahin Shafaei, and developed by Blake Ayshford. The series is written by Sami, Ayshford, Shafaei and Sarah Bassiuoni and will screen on ABC and ABC iview in 2023.

Production Credit: House of Gods is a Matchbox Pictures production for the ABC. Major production investment from Screen Australia in association with the ABC. Financed with support from Screen NSW. International sales by NBCUniversal Global Distribution. Matchbox Pictures is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group. Produced by Bree-Anne Sykes and executive produced by Blake Ayshford, Debbie Lee and Sheila Jayadev. ABC Executive Producers Brett Sleigh and Sally Riley.

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Interesting. Seems like something SBS might commission though.

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2024 Upfronts

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It’s election day at The Messenger, a Shi’ite mosque in the bustling metropolis of western Sydney, Australia. In the running to take the mantle of head cleric is the charismatic and visionary Sheikh Mohammad and his key opponent is conservative hardliner Seyyed Shaaker. But when a controversial photo of Sheikh Mohammad goes public, his election bid is derailed. Nonetheless, in a shock victory, Sheikh Mohammad wins the vote 4-3. Unbeknownst to Sheikh Mohammad, his eldest son, Isa resorts to desperate measures to ensure his father’s election. A tale of faith, family, secrets and lies, House of Gods takes audiences behind the walls of an imam’s family and the community he leads, exploring the personal cost of power and ambition.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

A Matchbox Pictures production. Major production investment from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Screen Australia. Financed with support from Screen NSW. Produced by Bree-Anne Sykes. Executive produced by Blake Ayshford, Debbie Lee and Sheila Jayadev. ABC Commissioning

Editor Brett Sleigh. ABC Head of Scripted Rachel Okine. International sales by NBCUniversal Global Distribution.

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ABC drama House of Gods premieres

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The ABC is thrilled to announce the landmark six-part drama series House of Gods premieres Sunday 25 February at 8.30pm on ABC TV, with all episodes available to stream on ABC iview.​

House of Gods follows the lives of an ambitious Iraqi Australian family grappling with newfound power and privilege when their charismatic patriarch is elected Head Cleric of their local mosque. This compelling series takes audiences behind the walls of an imam’s family and the community he leads, exploring the personal cost of power and ambition.

Produced by Matchbox Pictures and directed by Fadia Abboud (Here Out West, Year Of, Five Bedrooms) House of Gods features an impressive cast including, Osamah Sami (Ali’s Wedding, Savage River, Shayda), International award-winning actor Kamel El Basha (Our Males and Females, Room 207 ), Maia Abbas (Savage River), Safia Arain (Bump), the late Simon Elrahi (Last King of the Cross), Priscilla Doueihy (Special Ops: Lioness, Babyteeth, Eden) and Majid Shokor (Stateless, Nowhere Boys).

For co-creator, writer and co-executive producer Osamah Sami, who himself grew up as the son of a Head Cleric, House of Gods is a celebration of his community with all its traditions and flaws.

Sami said: “Storytelling is how we all connect. It’s how we tell each other we’re not alone in this world. All the cultural and religious differences go out the door once you realise another person can experience the same feelings as you even though they’re from another part of the world, or their religion or skin colour is different. That’s our hope for House of Gods”.​

Production Credit: House of Gods is a Matchbox Pictures production for the ABC. Major production investment from Screen Australia and the ABC. Financed with support from Screen NSW. International sales by NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution. Matchbox Pictures is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group. Created by Osamah Sami and Shahin Shafaei, developed by Blake Ayshford, produced by Bree-Anne Sykes and executive produced by Sheila Jayadev, Blake Ayshford and Debbie Lee.

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Series Synopsis

It’s election day at The Messenger, a Shi’ite mosque in the bustling metropolis of western Sydney, Australia. In the running to take the mantle of head cleric is the charismatic and visionary Sheikh Mohammad (Kamel El Basha) and his key opponent is conservative hardliner Seyyed Shaaker (Simon Elrahi). But when a controversial photo of Sheikh Mohammad goes public, his election bid is derailed. Nonetheless, in a shock victory, Sheikh Mohammad wins the vote 4-3. Unbeknownst to Sheikh Mohammad, his eldest son, Isa (Osamah Sami) bought the vote to ensure his father’s election.

The Sheikh’s family adjust to their newfound power and influence in the community. Isa, who owns a truck wash business, has longed for the status and power his own position as Vice President of the mosque would bring. Eldest daughter Batul (Maia Abbas), pragmatic and pious, seizes the moment to stay in Australia and avoid her marital problems in Iraq. Hind (Safia Arain) an aspiring Hijabi fashion designer, sees an opportunity to pursue her dreams and study design.

Isa is dealt a blow when the Sheikh controversially appoints Batul as Vice President of his Committee. Without control of the Messenger’s treasury, Isa finds himself resorting to desperate measures to make the monthly payments to Iraq and keep his father in power. Highly ambitious and yearning for her father’s validation, Batul soon cements her place as an effective and strategic VP. But when she discovers an irregular transfer of $12,000 from the Messenger’s account, she immediately suspects her brother.

Isa is eventually forced to come clean to Batul about buying their father’s vote. Batul is astounded by his gall, but soon realises that if she doesn’t play along, not only would it irreparably damage her beloved father’s reputation, she would have to return to Iraq and her troubled marriage, losing her hard-fought visibility and sense of purpose as VP of the Messenger.

Isa and Batul form an uneasy alliance, balancing the hefty secret payments with their father’s grand (and expensive) initiatives for the community. Before long, they’re wading into dangerous waters, manipulating those closest to them to keep their father, and themselves, in power. Meanwhile, an increasingly bitter Seyyed Shaaker closes in on the corruption, threatening to bring the Sheikh and his family down once and for all.

A tale of faith, family, secrets and lies, House of Gods takes audiences behind the walls of an imam’s family and the community he leads, exploring the personal cost of power and ambition.

Episode 1 - stream all episodes on iView

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Sunday 25 February 8.30pm

An ambitious Iraqi Australian family grapples with newfound power and privilege when their charismatic patriarch is elected Head Cleric of The Messenger mosque.

An ambitious Iraqi Australian family grapples with newfound power and privilege when their charismatic patriarch is elected Head Cleric of The Messenger mosque

It’s election day at the Messenger Mosque and the charismatic Sheikh Mohammad (Kamel El Basha) is the favourite to win. On his way to a radio interview with his daughter Hind (Safia Arain), he allows a group of girls to take selfies with him. One kisses him.

During the radio interview, the radio interviewer grills him over the controversial picture – is he trying to re-write Islamic law by suggesting males and females can touch outside of marriage? The kiss could have cost him the election.

After a brick is thrown through the window of Sheikh Mohammad’s house, the Sheikh asks to speak to the elders in the community at a tribal council. The Sheikh defends himself in front of his opponent Sheikh Shaaker (Simon Elrahi), and the elders.

At election night in the mosque, Sheikh Mohammad finally condemns his actions, acknowledging he must be a leader for everyone in the community. The votes are read, and Sheikh Mohammad wins. But what no-one knows is that his son Isa (Osamah Sami) made a deal with Seyyed Modhaffer (Faris Daniel) in return for ensuring his father’s victory – a payment of $25,000 a month.

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House of Gods been selected for the main competition at Series Mania in Lille, France from March 15 – 22.

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Episode 2

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Sunday 3 March 8.30pm

While Isa struggles to meet his financial commitment to Seyyed Modhaffar, Batul emerges as her father’s most strategic, and cutthroat, child.

As the new head cleric, Sheikh Mohammad’s (Kamel El Basha) most pressing concern is ensuring he has control of the mosque’s governing committee so he can execute his vision for the community.

Sheikh Mohammad knows that the balance of power rests with who wins the community seat. There is an obvious candidate, his oldest friend Samir (Majid Shokor). But Samir refuses the nomination – he no longer believes in God and will not be a hypocrite.

Isa (Osamah Sami) assumes he will become his father’s Vice President. It’s a position he needs as it will give him control of the mosque’s treasury, allowing him to keep his deal with Seyyed Modhaffer (Faris Daniel).
When Samir still refuses to run for the committee, Batul blackmails him. He has a shameful secret which will surface if he refuses the community seat nomination. Batul wins more favour with her father for “convincing” Samir to stand for the vote.

Samir is elected and in a shock decision, the Sheikh chooses Batul as Vice President over Isa. It’s a huge blow for Isa – keeping the deal with Seyyed Modhaffer, and thereby his father in power, just became much more difficult.

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From The Age Green Guide today

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Episode 3 – Ramadan Sin

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Sunday 10 March 8.30pm

Ramadan sees large donations come into the mosque, solving Isa’s immediate cash flow problems. Sheikh Mohammad’s plan for a new school struggles to gain Committee approval.

As Ramadan begins, large cash donations stream into the mosque. Isa (Osamah Sami) skims off the top before handing them over to Batul (Maia Abbas) to be logged.

At The Messenger mosque’s first committee meeting, Sheikh Mohammad (Kamel El Basha) presents his ambitious plans for a new Shi’ite school. In a shock move, Batul also refuses to vote in favour of it due to the inclusion of music and dance, which she sees as haram (sinful).

When Batul wonders why donations are down but attendance is up, Isa is evasive. Seyyed Modhaffer (Faris Daniel) wants the $25,000 each month in one payment, not installments. Isa tries to explain that a large transfer would attract attention from the authorities, but Seyyed Modhaffer is not happy.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Mohammad tries to secure Abu Zuhayr’s vote for his school. He agrees to drop the dance and promises Abu Zuhayr’s extended family cleaning contracts at the school. Abu Zuhayr agrees, and Sheikh Mohammad celebrates having secured the votes he needs to make his school a reality.

Batul notices an irregular transfer from the mosque’s account.

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House of Gods held its premiere in Sydney this week. Antoinette Lattouf, who is suing the ABC for unfair dismissal, was also at the event, as she had a small role in the drama as radio presenter Leila.

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This is a very niche show and I can’t imagine it will attract an audience. I wonder how soon the ABC will shift it to 9.30pm.

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Episode 4 - He in whose hands is dominion

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Sunday 17 March 8.30pm

Batul’s politicking is interrupted by the possibility of motherhood. Isa uncovers a valuable asset to offer Seyyed Modhaffer as collateral.

Batul (Maia Abbas) confronts Isa (Osamah Sami) about the money transfer from the mosque account. Isa insists it was for charity. Sheikh Mohammad (Kamel El Basha) accepts Isa’s explanation.

Batul’s husband Bilal (Saif Alawadi) tells Batul he would move to Australia if it means Batul would try IVF. Batul wrestles with the idea of interfering with God’s will, even though her father says IVF is sanctioned and indeed encouraged, if it means fulfilling one’s duty to raise children. Batul rails against the notion that she isn’t enough without children.

Isa appeals to Seyyed Modhaffer (Faris Daniel) to provide a courier to take the money back to Iraq as he cannot make large transfers unnoticed. Seyyed Modhaffer agrees on the proviso Isa comes up with collateral for the monthly payments.

Isa discovers a deed to his mother’s Baghdad apartment, which she left only to her daughters. Feeling betrayed and minimised as an adopted child, Isa offers the title deed to Seyyed (Majid Shokor) as collateral. It’s the apartment Batul and Bilal still live in.

Hind (Safia Arain) asks Batul’s best friend’s daughter Jamila (Priscilla Doueihy) to help her with an assignment for college by modelling her designs in a secret photoshoot in the mosque.

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Episode 5

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Sunday 24 March 8.30pm

Seyyed Modhaffer devises a new and risky way for Isa’s payments to be transported to Iraq, but the operation is dangerously close to being discovered.

Iraqi musician Jasim Al-Helou (Mustafa Al Tayar) performs at Samir’s(Majid Shokor)shisha café. Jasim is the courier who will take a generous “payment” for his performances back to Seyyed Modhaffer (Faris Daniel) in Iraq.

Sheikh Mohammad (Kamel El Basha) departs for Mecca, to take pilgrims on the Hajj. Sheikh Shaaker (Simon Elrahi) deputizes, and immediately enforces his conservative values. During this holy period, there will be no football, games or music. Just the Koran. Jasim’s concert and hence the money handover is put at risk.

Batul (Maia Abbas) is terrified for her husband when he tells her that militia broke into their home, and mentioned Isa (Osamah Sami). She confronts Isa, who is ultimately forced to confess that he bought their father’s election and gave Seyyed Modhaffer the apartment as collateral. Batul is aghast. When she realises the money is primarily coming from the mosque, she mandates that Isa sell his business. He cannot steal Allah’s money and it’s the price he must pay for her silence.

Nadir (Andrew Attieh) asks Hind (Safia Arain) on a date. But when Hind turns up for her date, Nadir is a no-show. Nadir was in a car accident on the way to meet her and is now fighting for his life. His mother wants permission to take Nadir off life support, but Sheikh Shaaker won’t grant it as it’s against Islamic law. Isa calls his father in Mecca who immediately returns home.

Jamila (Priscilla Doueihy) comes to comfort Isa at his truck wash over losing his best friend. The two kiss.

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Episode 6 – When God speaks- Final

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Sunday 31 March 8.30pm

Sheikh Shaaker senses fraud and does everything in his power to uncover what Isa is up to. Sheikh Mohammad proves just how determined he is to hold onto power.

Sheikh Shaaker (Simon Elrahi) digs for evidence that Isa (Osamah Sami) is paying musician Jasim Al-Helou (Mustafa Al Tayar) using mosque money. At the next committee meeting, Sheikh Shaaker requests the mosque ledger, but his son-in-law Aqil (Azmi Al Hasani) can’t find a single discrepancy in it.

Batul (Maia Abbas) offers up herself and Bilal (Saif Alawadi) as the new couriers. Bilal will visit Australia every two months; she will visit Iraq every other month. It’s the only option they have and she doesn’t trust anyone else.

When Aqil uncovers the name of the now defunct charity that Isa has been wiring money to, and discovers a connection to Seyyed Modhaffer at the charity, Sheikh Shaaker realises that Isa bought his father’s election. Sheikh Shaaker confronts Sheikh Mohammad (Kamel El Basha) with the news, and says that he must step down, honourably, after Friday prayers.

Sheikh Mohammad is devastated and furious upon learning of his son’s deceptive and illegal actions. He prepares to step down. He calls Seyyed Modhaffer, telling him Isa’s deal with him is over. Seyyed Modhaffer tells him he did actually have the votes of the clergy, and Isa saved his election.

In a shock move at Friday prayers, Sheikh Mohammad tells the community that Isa was stealing from the mosque, and then banishes his son from The Messenger. He then asks the congregation to decide if he should step down. Impressed by the Sheikh’s integrity, the majority want him to stay.

Sheikh Shaaker confronts his nemesis one final time, and discovers the depths of Sheikh Mohammad’s ambition. Sheikh Mohammad did a new deal with Seyyed Modhaffer to retain his position, and now Seyyed Modhaffer will join the board of Sheikh Mohammad’s new school.

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The drama will be played in International Competition at Series Mania, to be held at Lille Grand Palais, France from March 19 to 21.

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But Ended Up In A Category All Of Its Own

I’d say like ‘Home and Away’ In A Mosque. :wink: