This month marks 40 years since the Egyptian film "Love on the Pyramids Plateau" was screened in cinemas in 1986. The film, directed by Atif El-Tayeb and based on a novel by Naguib Mahfouz, tells a romantic social story about youth struggles. It stars Ahmed Zaki and Athar El-Hakim, alongside Najah El-Mohajir, Ahmed Rataib, Hanan Suleiman, Nahi Rashdi, Nahi Samir, Salah Nazmi, and Ali El-Sharif.
The film has been recognized as one of Egypt's best, ranking 68th on a list of the top 100 Egyptian films, as voted by critics at the 1996 Cairo Film Festival. This ranking was part of the festival's celebration of 100 years since the first film was screened in Alexandria in 1896. The film's storyline revolves around social and romantic issues faced by young people at that time.
Before Athar El-Hakim was cast as the character Rajaa, the role was initially offered to Medhat Kamal. However, Kamal withdrew from the project due to health issues. In a television interview, Kamal revealed that she had suffered a deep vein thrombosis in her left leg, caused by exhaustion and stress, during rehearsals for a play she was preparing to record.
Medhat Kamal discussed her health struggles on Egyptian television while hospitalized. She mentioned that her condition resulted from overexertion and sadness but did not elaborate on the specifics of her frustration. At the time, Kamal was reading the script for "Love on the Pyramids Plateau" with director Atif El-Tayeb.
Medhat Kamal eventually retired from acting after completing her role in the 1993 film "Gate of Iblis", directed by Adel Al-Asr and starring Mahmoud Hamida. She remained out of the spotlight until her death in 1997. Her decision to step back from the film industry has been a subject of interest among fans and followers.
The film "Love on the Pyramids Plateau" remains a notable work in Egyptian cinema, with its themes and performances continuing to be appreciated by audiences today. The story behind Medhat Kamal's withdrawal from the project adds a layer of complexity to the film's history and highlights the challenges faced by artists in their careers.
Reflecting on the film's legacy, it is clear that "Love on the Pyramids Plateau" has left a lasting impact on Egyptian cinema. Its inclusion in the list of top 100 films and its continued relevance after 40 years demonstrate its significance in the country's cinematic landscape.
Key points
- Medhat Kamal withdrew from the film due to health issues, specifically a deep vein thrombosis caused by exhaustion and stress.
- The film "Love on the Pyramids Plateau" ranks 68th on the list of top 100 Egyptian films, as voted by critics at the 1996 Cairo Film Festival.
- Medhat Kamal retired from acting after completing her role in the 1993 film "Gate of Iblis" and remained out of the spotlight until her death in 1997.
