Egyptian film producer Hussein El-Qlaa has spent nearly 50 years in the cinema industry, and he says that a strong script is essential to producing a good film. In a recent interview on the Egyptian TV program "Zikrayati," El-Qlaa discussed his career, highlighting that he began his journey in cinema by collaborating with director Youssef Shahine on the film "Haddouta Masreya." He initially played a role similar to that of a financier before working in Shahine's office and eventually establishing his own production company, El-Alamiya, in the 1980s.
El-Qlaa expressed his admiration for director Salah Abu Seif, citing his iconic statement that "a film is paper." He emphasized that he refuses to make significant changes to a script during filming, stressing the importance of sticking to the original narrative. El-Qlaa noted that his film "Zouget Ragol Hem" (The Wife of an Important Man) marked a turning point in his career, as it demonstrated the success of his vision for filmmaking. He recalled his collaboration with director Mohamed Khan, who initially disagreed with his choice of actress Merfet Amin for a role but later acknowledged El-Qlaa's foresight.
El-Qlaa discussed his work with the late actor Ahmed Zaki, producing around six films together. He described Zaki's dedication to cinema as a way of life. El-Qlaa also praised Zaki's performance in the film "Batal Min Warq" (A Hero on Paper), which was initially intended to star Zaki but ultimately featured actor Mamdouh Abdelalim. El-Qlaa highlighted the film "Al-Kit Kat" by director Dawoud Abdel Sayyed, praising the performance of actor Mahmoud Abdel Aziz.
El-Qlaa's filmography also includes "Al-Mowatin Mesri" (The Egyptian Citizen), which featured international star Omar Sharif as the lead. El-Qlaa described this role as one of Sharif's strongest, despite differing from the actor's typical on-screen persona. The program "Zikrayati" is broadcast on Egyptian TV, presented by Mayada Kamel and prepared by Mostafa Mandour, with direction by Amr Abdelalim.
El-Qlaa's career has spanned numerous collaborations with prominent Egyptian filmmakers and actors. He emphasized that his approach to filmmaking prioritizes the script and narrative. This approach has led to the creation of several notable films that have contributed to Egyptian cinema. El-Qlaa's reflections on his career offer insights into the evolution of Egyptian film and the importance of strong storytelling.
The program that hosted El-Qlaa is part of a series of interviews and discussions on Egyptian TV, which explores various aspects of art, culture, and society. These programs aim to provide a platform for prominent figures to share their experiences and perspectives. El-Qlaa's appearance on "Zikrayati" offers a unique look at his contributions to Egyptian cinema.
El-Qlaa's legacy in Egyptian cinema is marked by his commitment to storytelling and collaboration with talented filmmakers. His career serves as a testament to the enduring power of Egyptian film.
Key points
- El-Qlaa stresses the importance of a strong script in filmmaking.
- El-Qlaa's film "Zouget Ragol Hem" marked a turning point in his career.
- El-Qlaa has collaborated with prominent Egyptian filmmakers, including Youssef Shahine and Omar Sharif.
