A number of Egyptian artists have found themselves in the midst of a story set in the Middle East, as they participated in the Chinese film "Once Upon a Time in the Middle East", also known as "مرحبًا بكم في مطعم التنين". The film tells the story of a Chinese chef who comes to the region in search of work and finds himself in the midst of challenges that change his life forever. Egyptian artists participating in the film include Omar Sharif, Sherif Sobhi, Ahmed Salim, and Yasmine Rahmi.
The film's story revolves around "شو فو", a Chinese chef who arrives in the Middle East in search of work to pay off his debts. However, he soon finds himself in a situation he did not choose and transforms the restaurant he came to into a space where he tries to protect civilians and children and help them survive. The film was shot over six months in China, with additional scenes shot in Egypt, bringing together a team of artists from both countries.
The film's plot explores the conflict from a different perspective, focusing on the details of people whose lives have changed because of it. The story becomes a larger one about fear, survival, and coexistence. With the film's release in Chinese theaters, its story expanded beyond the screen, surpassing 1 billion yuan in revenue within eight days of its release. The Egyptian artists participated in the film's promotional tour, where they received a warm response from Chinese audiences.
Behind this Egyptian participation in the film was Mohamed Osama, founder of a media production company, who played a key role in bringing together the Chinese filmmakers and Egyptian artists. Osama's company helped with the selection of artists, training, and coordination, as well as organizing the filming of external scenes in Egypt. According to Osama, the film's human story and quality helped it reach Chinese audiences.
The preparation for the film did not stop at selecting the artists, as some participants needed to prepare for their roles by learning new skills. For some characters, learning Chinese was part of the preparation. The film's production team worked closely with the Egyptian artists to ensure they were well-prepared for their roles. The collaboration between the Egyptian and Chinese teams resulted in a film that has resonated with audiences.
The film's success can be attributed to its universal theme, which allows audiences to connect with the story. The film's message of coexistence and survival resonated with Chinese audiences, who responded positively to the Egyptian artists' performances. The film's impact extends beyond the screen, showcasing the talents of Egyptian artists and promoting cultural exchange between Egypt and China.
The Egyptian artists' participation in the film has been well-received, with Mohamed Osama stating that the sincerity of the film's message is what helped Chinese audiences connect with the Egyptian artists. The film's success demonstrates the potential for cultural exchange and collaboration between Egypt and China, paving the way for future projects.
Key points
- Egyptian artists shine in Chinese film "Once Upon a Time in the Middle East".
- The film tells the story of a Chinese chef in the Middle East.
- The film's success demonstrates the potential for cultural exchange and collaboration between Egypt and China.
