Director Ahmad Nader Jalal began shooting the scenes of his latest film “Wahed Min Al Nas” (One of the People) at Egypt Studio, starring actors Muna Shalabi, Karim Abdul Aziz, Basma, Ahmad Rateb, Izat Abu Ouf and Mahmoud Al Juni, returning to the big screen after a long absence.
According to the London based Elaph, the film, scheduled for screening during this summer season, is a major turning point in Karim’s career. His last film was “Abu Ali” alongside actress Muna Zaki, released during the Muslim holiday Eid Al Adha.
In ‘One of the People’ Karim for the first time, takes part in a romantic drama, different from his usual comedic roles. Karim plays an everyday man waiting for the birth of his first child. An unfortunate accident occurs that changes the course of his entire life, and he finds himself in dilemma, struggling to tell the truth or keep silent about corruption.
Muna Shalabi plays the role of Karim’s wife, and considers the part a welcomed challenge.
The film, produced by the ‘Arab Production Company,’ marks the fourth cooperation between Karim and scenarist Bilal Fadel.
Controversy surrounded Muna’s resent film “Waiga” over the depiction of the hijab.
The scene that has created the commotion features Muna while she is wearing a hijab, with her faced covered. She goes to meet her lover in an impoverished neighborhood while covered, and the scene has sent Islamic scholars into a rage, claiming it is an insult towards all women who wear the hijab.
Director Khaled Yousif explained that the use of the hijab by Muna in the scene was intentionally done to show that some people misinterpret and take advantage of some of the teachings of Islam to do things that are against the basic principals of the religion.
Yousif stated, “The film in no way insults Islam, or demeans the Islamic headdress the hijab, and those who spread the rumors and made such accusations against the film, obviously did not see it to make such a judgment.” The controversy surrounding the film was created intentionally by people to affect its success, especially at a time when competition for movie goers is so high, he added.
Yousif, considered by many as a student of prominent director Yousif Shahin, stated that the film deals with a number of issues in society that merit discussion, making it a worthy production. All films are censored according to Egyptian law, and therefore it is not outside the guidelines of acceptability, he asserted.
