"When a 'Life of Brian' comes out with Muhammad in the lead role, directed by an Arab equivalent of Theo van Gogh, it will be a huge step forward"

In this quote, Ayaan Hirsi Ali is revealing her belief that the release of a film called "Life of Brian" with Muhammad as the main character, directed by an Arab filmmaker similar to Theo van Gogh, would be a considerable development. She is referencing the controversial 1979 movie "Monty Python's Life of Brian," which satirizes the life of Jesus Christ, and recommending that a comparable film with Muhammad as the topic would be a bold and progressive move. By discussing an Arab equivalent of Theo van Gogh, a Dutch filmmaker who was assassinated for his criticism of Islam, Ali is highlighting the requirement for more diverse and courageous voices in the movie industry. Overall, she is promoting for more open and sincere discussions about religion and its influence on society.