Latest news with #Fahmy
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Eagles of the Republic' Review: Movies Collide With Political Might in Tarik Saleh's Dark and Clever Conspiracy Thriller
Once again navigating a labyrinth of corruption and bad behavior inside contemporary Egypt, writer-director Tarik Saleh delivers another solid, thought-provoking thriller with Eagles of the Republic. Both entertaining and insightful, not to mention darkly funny in its first half, the Swedish-Egyptian filmmaker follows up The Nile Hilton Incident and Cairo Conspiracy with a crime-ridden drama about a famous actor who's forced to play President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in a biopic, then pays a high price for his success. Reteaming with star Fares Fares, who headlined the above-mentioned films, Saleh completes what could be considered his Cairo trilogy, with each movie tackling a hot-button social or political issue through well-crafted genre storytelling. If Nile Hilton focused on drugs and police malfeasance and Conspiracy took on fraud in the world of Muslim clerical schools, Eagles highlights the dirty dealings between the government and the film industry, showing how popular artists are coopted — or rather coerced — into making works of propaganda in a country leaving them few other options. More from The Hollywood Reporter Jafar Panahi: The World's Most Acclaimed Dissident Filmmaker 'Splitsville' Review: Dakota Johnson and Adria Arjona in a Winning Indie Comedy That Puts Two Divorcing Couples Through the Wringer Julia Ducournau Stuns Cannes With 'Alpha' The opening reels, which both mock and celebrate the life of fictional Egyptian movie star George Fahmy (Fares), are filled with more comedy than suspense. But as Saleh's script advances, and the actor sees the walls closing in around him on all sides, the tone grows more desperate and the film turns into a straight-out thriller. At a time when movies seem divided between commercial fare and works made strictly for the arthouse, Saleh occupies an intriguing middle ground here, directing a crime story that keeps us engaged while saying plenty about the world we live in — or at least about Egypt right now. Fahmy, who's known throughout the land as the 'Pharoah of the Screen,' has headlined countless blockbusters in his country's longstanding film industry, embodying the kind of success most Egyptians could only dream of. But we immediately see that his life is not all it's cracked up to be: His marriage has fallen apart and his teenage son, Ramy (Suhaib Nashwan), seems to resent him for being a negligent dad. His much younger mistress, Donya (Lyna Khoudri from Papicha), seems to resent him as well, and it doesn't help that Fahmy has to go out in disguise to a pharmacy in order to buy Viagra. But these issues are minor compared to what happens when Dr. Mansour Rula (Amr Waked), an official working directly for El-Sisi's office, corners Fahmy into playing the current president in a new movie celebrating the reigning leader's military exploits before his election in 2014. Much fun is initially made of the fact that Fahmy and El-Sisi look nothing alike — 'He's been bald since kindergarten!' the star clamors — but the reality is that the actor has little choice in the matter, especially when the life of his son is threatened. Fahmy soon ropes in a hit director to helm the project, but on the first day of shooting it's clear that none of them will have any say in a project overseen by Rula, who sits behind a monitor and comments on each scene with regards to how it portrays the president. Censorship rules over the industry and corruption over the rest of society. When Fahmy is not on set, he attends various galas and dinners in town, getting cozy with other powerful higher-ups, including the minister of defense (Tamim Heikal). Unfortunately, the actor also gets cozy with the minister's outspoken girlfriend (Cherien Dabis), putting himself at even more risk when the two begin having an affair. Saleh juggles these dual narrative strands — the troubled movie shoot and Fahmy's harried personal life — with relative ease, even if there are moments when the plot feels a tad convoluted. But everything comes together in a decidedly darker third act that brings the actor face-to-face with the actual president. Suddenly, reality takes over and what felt like a cheesy movie (the one being shot, that is) has dire consequences for all involved. It makes sense that Saleh doesn't live in Egypt, because it's hard to imagine anyone residing there who could make a film that so outwardly criticizes the current regime, whether it's the countless corrupt officials or the methods of coercion used by a government that claims to be a democracy but feels more like a military dictatorship. The closing reels are especially grim in that sense, highlighted by a memorable scene, set in a helicopter, in which Fahmy witnesses just how ruthless El-Sisi's people can be. Fares — who, like the director, is half-Swedish (the other half is Lebanese) — embodies the movie star perfectly, channeling the actor's egomania but also his desire to live freely in a country that offers little freedom, even for people as rich and renowned as Fahmy. 'You played your role perfectly,' someone ironically tells him toward the end, as he realizes success means nothing when everyone is a puppet to power in one way or another. Eagles of the Republic — whose title sounds like one of George Fahmy `'s many box-office hits — offers a clever lesson in how truth can be scarier than fiction, especially in a place where movies serve as both popular entertainment and weapons for the men (they're all men) in charge. Like his previous films, including his underrated Chris Pine effort, The Contractor, Saleh once again proves himself capable of delivering a solid genre flick with a dark message beneath all the action. He may not live in Egypt, but he channels the country's thrills and terrors as if he were a star there himself. Best of The Hollywood Reporter 'The Goonies' Cast, Then and Now "A Nutless Monkey Could Do Your Job": From Abusive to Angst-Ridden, 16 Memorable Studio Exec Portrayals in Film and TV The 10 Best Baseball Movies of All Time, Ranked
Tahya Masr
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tahya Masr
Mostafa Fahmy Announced as New Ambassador for Sony's Iconic CineAlta Cameras
Sony Middle East and Africa is delighted to announce renowned Director of Photography (DOP) Mostafa Fahmy as the new ambassador for its prestigious CineAlta camera range. This newly founded partnership with Fahmy reinforces the CineAlta range as the premier choice of directors and DOPs to steer their personal artistic vision, while simultaneously highlighting the significant role that Sony's cutting-edge technology is playing in shaping the future of cinematic storytelling. Fahmy's notable works include Youm 13, Sokkar, El Harsha El Sabaa, and the Egyptian adaptation of Suits. He has collaborated with prominent directors across Egypt and the Middle East, contributing to over 100 projects throughout his illustrious career. Most recently, Fahmy served as the DOP for Egyptian breakout series Lam Shamseya, which marked a significant milestone as the first Egyptian production to be shot exclusively on Sony's state-of-the-art CineAlta Burano camera. The Burano, renowned for its exceptional visual quality, colour science, and versatility, provided Fahmy with the technological prowess to deliver unparalleled visual storytelling, and the show has since received strong positive reception on an international scale including SeriesFest to showcase its global appeal. Commenting on the collaboration, Mostafa Fahmy, Award-Winning Cinematographer stated: "Sony is just a good friend on set. I can hear the CineAlta range on set telling me, 'I got your back, just be creative.' For that reason, this is a partnership that allows me to fully focus on creativity and storytelling without compromise - and I look forward to what the future holds as we venture onwards together.' Jobin Joejoe, Managing Director at Sony Middle East and Africa, added: "We are incredibly excited to welcome Mostafa Fahmy as our CineAlta ambassador. His visionary approach and dedication to excellence align perfectly with Sony's commitment to empowering creative professionals. Together, we look forward to inspiring the next wave of cinematic brilliance through high-performance, professional camera solutions." With Fahmy being a celebrated cinematographer in the region who is known for compelling visual narratives and groundbreaking cinematography across various high-profile film and television projects, his extensive body of work consistently demonstrates his innovative approach and dedication to cinematic excellence. His partnership with Sony makes him an ideal representative of the multinational conglomerate's CineAlta vision. Together, both parties will dedicate efforts towards fostering innovation and empowering cinematographers and filmmakers worldwide by providing industry-leading technology tailored for unparalleled creative expression.
See - Sada Elbalad
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Hussein Fahmy at at Cannes: "We Are Rising Again"
Ali Abo Deshish _ Pasant Elzaitony As part of Cairo International Film Festival's exceptional participation in the 78th Cannes Film Festival, renowned actor and CIFF President Hussein Fahmy took part today in a high-profile panel discussion titled 'Egypt: The Land of Commercial Films in the Arab World.' Hussein Fahmy The session was held at the main stage of the Palais des Festivals and was organized in collaboration with the Arab Cinema Center and the Marché du Film (MDF\_Cannes). It was moderated by journalist Nick Vivarelli, Variety's correspondent for Italy and the Middle East, and attended by a distinguished group of filmmakers, artists, and industry professionals including actress Yousra, GFF President Samih Sawiris, GFF Executive Director Amr Mansi, Egypt Film Commission GM Ahmed Sami Bedeir, director Morad Mostafa, and producer Sawsan Youssef. In his remarks, Fahmy stated: "Egyptian cinema has gone through many transformations. There was a period of overly commercial production, which led to the exclusion of some films from international festivals. But today, we're witnessing remarkable progress. We have top-tier directors, actors, screenwriters, and cinematographers. This year's strong Egyptian presence at Cannes is proof that we are rising again." He added: "What distinguishes a true artist is having an aware and discerning audience — and that's what Egyptian cinema has. The bond between the artist and their audience is built on mutual trust. That's the secret of our continued success." Fahmy also highlighted the youthful spirit of the Cairo International Film Festival, emphasizing its reliance on emerging talents across departments. He noted the healthy competition between CIFF and El Gouna Film Festival, which has helped rejuvenate the Egyptian film landscape. He pointed to the increasing challenge facing Egyptian festivals with the growing number of well-funded Arab — particularly Gulf — festivals, raising the stakes in securing premieres, juries, and film selections. This panel is part of the Arab Cinema Center's activities at Cannes, aiming to spotlight Egypt's pioneering role in commercial cinema and its central position in the Arab and global film scene. read more 2 Most Inspirational Green Projects in Egypt AEW Dynamite, WWE NXT to Strive over Viewership Tonight Egypt Marks 70th Anniv. of 2011 Revolution, National Police Day In Depth: WWE NXT Halloween Havoc In Depth: AEW Dynamite, WWE NXT Tuesday Viewership Strive Videos & Features WATCH: Egyptians Break Ramadan Fasts in Matariya Videos & Features GrEEk Campus Hosts Jobzella Fifth Career Fair Videos & Features 3 Iconic Ramadan Songs of All Times Videos & Features Top 4 Destinations to Visit in Upper Egypt News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War
The National
14-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Former Air Force One director says Trump GCC trip is historic
Mr Fahmy called Qatar gifting of a jet to the US President a nice gesture, but Air Force One needs more assets to be President-ready.
Egypt Independent
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Independent
Ahmed Fahmy reveals the real reason behind deleting video with Hana al-Zahed on Facebook
Actor Ahmed Fahmy revealed the reason behind why a video shared on his official Facebook was deleted. The clip was from the movie 'Mr. X,' which brought him together with his ex-wife, actress Hana al-Zahed. In the scene, Fahmy is shown confessing to her that he is 'Mr. X,' with the caption saying 'If this proves to you that I am… Surprise, isn't it?' 'To clarify, the post that was posted on my page and removed was an unintentional mistake by a member of the social media team at the company that manages my account. It was a simple matter and not intentional.' He continued, 'Whatever I want to say, I say it directly, without hints or anything else. All due respect to all my colleagues, and good luck to everyone.' Zahed and Fahmy separated in late 2023 after a four-year marriage. Neither party revealed the reason for the split. Zahid has expressed her appreciation for the experience, stating that she had overcome the divorce and was now in a better place. Fahmy, on the other hand, indicated that he was the one who made the decision to separate and that he did not intend to marry again. Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
