Adel Emam talks about next film

Sharjah: One of the Arab world’s most famous actors, Adel Emam, revealed plans during the Sharjah Book Fair. to make a movie tackling the Egyptian revolution period using comedy,

The legendary Egyptian actor, who for the last 40 years presented the Arab world with more than 100 movies and 10 plays that were predominantly comedy, also tackled more serious issues such as terrorism and extremism in Egypt.

During the session titled ‘Adel Emam: His Excellency” Emam praised His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah — who was present at the session — for focusing on culture, art and theatre. He also thanked the UAE as a whole for its stand with Egypt during the revolution.

“This man is rare in the Arab World, he builds theatres, and he is a cultured man not only in Islamic culture but in the culture of life as well. By spreading culture he is creating a developed civilisation. I also thank the people of the UAE and its leaders for their stand with Egypt and its people. Their stand proved that Arab chivalry is still alive.”

The session that was meant to discuss drama and the media culture of the contemporary world, quickly turned political once the moderator, Nader Adli, opened the floor for the actor’s fans to ask him questions.

If one may recollect, Emam was sentenced to three months in jail with hard labour and fined 1,000 Egyptian pounds (Dh610) by the Muslim brotherhood leadership in 2012 (he never completed the sentence during their regime) for ‘defaming Islam’ in some of the roles he played during his 40-year career.

“It was the first time I was scared for Egypt. Taking advantage of religion and using it to fulfil your personal goals is something immoral,” he said.

When a fan asked him whether he had plans to tackle the revolution period in one of his movies or TV series, Emam replied: “Most definitely, I have to tackle this topic and I plan on doing so, but with comedy. Comedy will be able to confront this period the best.”

When Shaikh Sultan suggested he do it through theatre, the actor said he would definitely consider it.

With regard to future plans to make a movie memoir on his life, he said though he had received many offers, he is still thinking about it.

“It will need a lot of work, the movie needs to depict Egypt during each period, it has to show what people dressed like and how they were thinking at that time.

“I received many offers to do it while I am still alive, but I am still thinking about it,” the 74 year old said.