Egyptian actor Adel Imam has denied circulating rumors that he received threats from Israeli extremists over his latest film “Safara fil Binaya” (An Embassy in the Building).
Rumors claim that the actor received threatening phone calls demanding he stop the screening of the film.
Undeterred, Imam held a special screening amidst large crowds of fans, journalists, and security officials.
The screening, which took place at Imam’s Metro Theatre, turned into a political protest that led to the closure of the main road for over two hours.
Anti-Israeli slogans were chanted, which had an uncanny resemblance to the events of the film, which depicts Egyptian citizen’s reluctance to accept the peace treaty with Israel.
The film revolves around an Egyptian petrol engineer, who has lived in Dubai for a quarter of a century and finally goes home to Egypt to discover that the Israeli Embassy is located right next door to his apartment. The film for the first time presents a character that plays the role of the Israeli ambassador.
Adel stressed that the film aims at answering one basic question, which is why Egyptians refused normalization of relations with Israel until now. The film also sends a message to Israel and to other countries with which Egypt has signed a peace agreement, to help them understand the viewpoint of Egyptian citizens.
Adel stressed that the film is a comedy, and not a political drama, although it illustrates that art influences and reflects the will of the people.
Adel plays an amusing character that tries desperately to stay away from politics but to his disappointment finds himself engrossed in a major political affair.
The film, directed by Sharif Arafeh, was shot on location in Dubai and at Al Ahram studios in Cairo.
