Full disclosure, we couldn't be more pumped to see our beloved Arab Idol's epic journey to talent show fame put on a big screen. Mohammad Assaf has made a name for himself around the globe and has become Palestine's beloved golden boy. I mean, everyone loves a good rags to riches story, right?
Apparently, that's not the entirely the case for this popular and talented singer. According to Sayidaty.net, some haters are suggesting his two-year career as a recognized singer doesn't warrant him the sacred place of a full-length biography. Only stars with a long history in the entertainment have legitimately earned the right for a feature, they suggest.
Never mind the fact that he's united the region like never before in support of Palestine, or that he's accomplished more than any politicians in recent history in rallying for Gaza. Well, haters gonna hate, we suppose.
The movie makers defended their idea, saying that they are aiming to show his success story and ambition as he descended from a very poor neighborhood in one of the Palestinian camps in Gaza.
The drama centering on Assaf's life is titled "Arab Idol", and recently finished shooting scenes in Jordan. Rising star Towfiq Barhom plays the lead as Assaf.
Ahmed Helmy was offered the role of Ramadan Abu Nahal, the guy that offered Assaf his ticket to enter to the Arab idol contest after what he saw what Assaf went through to get out of Gaza into Egypt. However Helmy apologized for being too busy to accept the part.
Ali Jaber portrays his own role as judge, and director Nadina Labaki plays the part of an Assaf supporter.
The director chose a kid that highly resembles Assaf as a child for his adolescent scenes that reveal his life in poverty. Young Assaf is seen wearing old and torn clothes.
We can't wait to the feature on screen, can you? Please don't be one of the haters.
