Prominent Egyptian actress Laila Elwi survived a car accident during her recent visit to Morocco that has given her a new perspective on life. The actress nearly lost her life during the accident, and explained that a miracle had saved her and those in the car.
In the midst of heavy rainfall the car slide 40 meters downhill, crashing into trees, which prevented the vehicle from going over a nearby cliff, recounted Laila.
During an interview Laila revealed that since the accident she has stopped loosing her temper so easily, after being faced with death. During the accident she thought the car had ran over the cliff, and began saying her final prayers, but once she realized they had survived she felt as though she had been given another chance at life.
Upon her return to Cairo, Laila realized the love people have for her, especially after receiving numerous flowers and phone calls from fans.
Morocco’s King Mohammad VI sent his private physician to treat Laila Elwi and Poussy, who were also in the car. The King wanted to ensure that both actresses received the best medical care since they were injured in his country.
The passengers in the car were Poussy, Laila, director Osama Fawzi, and Egypt’s Ambassador to Morocco Ashraf Za’za.
After taking time off to regain her strength, the actress intends on returning to the scenes, and is currently reading a script for the new film “Ahlam Al Sabaya” (Young Dreams). Young Egyptian actresses, Riham Abdul Ghafour and Hala Shiha will costar with her in the film.
Laila recently won an award for “Best Actress” for her role as a Christian wife in the film “Bahib El Cima” (I Love the Cinema) at the Eleventh National Film Festival in Egypt.
Laila’s character faces constant physical abuse and cruelty inflicted by her husband.
The film, which had received much criticism since its screening, took home most of the awards from the festival. The controversial film spurred debate in Egypt, and was topic of a press conference held during the First International Dubai Film Festival. The film was screened at the Dubai festival, with only Laila in attendance.
Laila explained that the film depicts the struggles individuals from different cultures and religious backgrounds encounter, when faced with the desires that lead them to sin. The film also tackles issues surrounding power relations, whether political or in the home, and how individuals deal with forms of control that are imposed on them.
