Alia Shabana sister of the late music icon Abdul Halim Hafiz, asked for a percentage of profits for the new Ahmad Zaki’s movie on the biography of the late singer. Alia requested 20% of the revenue proceeds from the film, stating that this would be the least amount she will accept.
According to the Saudi daily, Al Watan, Egyptian actor Ahmad Zaki along with the screenwriter Mahfouz Abdul Rahman, met with Alia to discuss the script of the movie. After four long hours of debating the content of the movie, and before reaching an agreement, Shabana requested that she receives a share from the gains of the film, saying that it is the right of the inheritors.
Zaki who will be starring in the film, said that as an actor he is committed to playing his role in the best manner suitable, and it is not his responsibility to negotiate money matters concerning the production.
Known for his outstanding roles as Gamal Abdul Nasser and Anwar Al Sadat, Ahmed was chosen among many to star in the movie that tackles the life of the legendary singer.
Zaki announced his participation in the film at a press conference held in Tunisia following his honoring at the 19th Cartage Film Festival. The star explained that the movie will only tackle Abdul Halim's personal and human aspect and added that he will start an intensive diet to loose 15 kgs to fit the role.
"Throughout my acting career I tried to focus on playing well known figures in Egypt. It wasn't easy for me to do this, but yet it added a lot to my portfolio," said Zaki
On a different note, the 26th Cairo Film Festival awarded the 'Best Actor' award to Ahmed Zaki for his role in the movie "Ma'ali Al Wazir" (His Excellency, the Minister), directed by Samir Saif. Zaki received a standing ovation by the audience as the president of the festival, Sherief Al Shobashi, awarded the star his prize.
For his part, Zaki thanked the festival and the audience, expressing his gratitude for the award, being the second such honor for the actor– the first being at the 19th Cartage Film Festival.
Earlier last September, Zaki called on all the Arab stars to play a more positive role in expressing their opinion toward the political events that are taking place worldwide. "Why don't we all agree on producing a movie that tackles the Palestinian issue," said Zaki, who showed willingness to take part in such movies even if his participation would be limited to one scene only. - Albawaba.com
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
