Egyptian actor Ahmed Hatem has established a distinctive presence in the Egyptian film industry with his latest feature, 'Red Flag', which opened in cinemas on 9 September across Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and several other Arab markets. The film blends social comedy with an exploration of the complexities of romantic and marital relationships. It takes its title from the widely recognised concept of "red flags" - behaviours, patterns, and warning signs that can undermine trust and reshape relationship dynamics.
'Red Flag' marks Hatem's second collaboration with actress Gamila Awad, following their successful pairing in 'Arousty', and also brings him together with veteran actor Sherif Mounir. The film has generated considerable attention through an inventive promotional campaign, particularly a series of tongue-in-cheek videos inspired by the contradictions and everyday tensions of married life, most notably the 'Go Back to Your Father's House' clips.
In an exclusive conversation, Ahmed Hatem reflects on the making of 'Red Flag', the appeal of playing a character unlike those he has previously portrayed, his creative rapport with Gamila Awad and Sherif Mounir, his recent association with comedy, and the projects he is currently preparing. Hatem describes his experience with 'Red Flag' as genuinely different, whether in terms of its narrative, subject matter, or the character he portrays.
The film examines the warning signs that can emerge within romantic and marital relationships, but approaches them through social comedy. Hatem was drawn to the project because of its distinctiveness. The premise is inherently relatable because every relationship can involve behaviours that make one pause and question whether what they are experiencing is healthy or acceptable.
Hatem plays a pilot, while Gamila Awad plays the manager of an advertising company. The character represents unfamiliar territory for him, and that was precisely what excited him about taking it on. The story follows a married couple whose relationship is placed under considerable strain by doubt, a breakdown of trust, and jealousy, with those tensions gradually surfacing through a succession of comic situations.
The film's promotional campaign has attracted considerable attention, particularly the 'Go Back to Your Father's House' videos. The idea came from Khaled Gohar, who was overseeing the promotional campaign. The audience responded remarkably well, particularly women, with approximately 81% of the followers being women, which encouraged them to continue producing the videos.
Hatem has appeared in a number of comedy projects recently, including 'El Kalam Ala Eh', which enjoyed a strong run during the summer season. He is currently continuing production on the series 'Al Anad', alongside Maram Ali, Ola Roshdy, Emad Rashad, and a number of other talented performers. It is a 15-episode social romantic drama, written by Ahmed Adel and directed by Ahmed Adel Salama.
Key points
- Ahmed Hatem stars in 'Red Flag', a social comedy exploring complexities of romantic relationships.
- The film's promotional campaign included tongue-in-cheek videos inspired by married life.
- Hatem is currently working on the series 'Al Anad', a 15-episode social romantic drama.
