Egyptian actor Sabri Fouad has addressed rumors that his image was to be removed from the poster of the film "Al-Qasas" in order for it to be screened in Saudi Arabia. Fouad took to his official Facebook account to express his concerns over the reports, which he claimed were relayed to the film's producer, Mohamed Hefny, by some MBC staff members.
In his post, Fouad questioned whether the reported decision was made by Turki Al Sheikh, the chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, or if someone was using his name for their own purposes. Fouad's comments come as a response to reports that the film's producers were asked to remove his image from the poster in order for the film to be approved for screening in Saudi Arabia.
The film "Al-Qasas" tells the story of an Egyptian piano player named Ahmed who travels to Vienna after exchanging letters with an Austrian friend. The film explores themes of friendship, challenge, and determination against the backdrop of Egypt's tumultuous history from 1967 to 1984. The film features a star-studded cast, including Nelli Karim, Amir El-Masry, Karim Qasem, and Ahmed El-Azhar, among others.
Fouad's concerns over the reported decision have sparked a wave of interest in the film, which is set to represent Egypt in the international feature film category at the Oscars. The film's director, Abu Bakr Shawky, has expressed his pride in the project, which he believes offers a unique perspective on human relationships and the impact of circumstance on individual destinies.
The controversy surrounding the film's poster has raised questions about the role of censorship in Saudi Arabia, where the film industry is still in its early stages of development. Turki Al Sheikh has been instrumental in promoting the arts in Saudi Arabia, with a focus on developing the country's entertainment sector.
In response to Fouad's post, fans and supporters of the actor have rallied around him, expressing their solidarity and criticizing the reported decision to remove his image from the poster. The incident has sparked a wider debate about artistic freedom and the role of censorship in the region.
The film "Al-Qasas" is set to be screened in several countries, including Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Despite the controversy surrounding the poster, the film's producers have expressed their commitment to showcasing the project to a global audience. The film's success will be closely watched by fans and industry insiders alike.
Key points
- The film "Al-Qasas" represents Egypt in the international feature film category at the Oscars.
- The film's director, Abu Bakr Shawky, has expressed his pride in the project, which offers a unique perspective on human relationships.
- The controversy surrounding the film's poster has raised questions about the role of censorship in Saudi Arabia.