A large number of Egyptian actors have asked that Arab nations stop accepting any American films into their countries in support of the Palestinian people, reported Agence France Presse.
According to the news agency, the actors also want to boycott the films from being shown at the upcoming Cairo Film Festival, which commences next month.
Omari, the Egyptian actress and humanitarian ambassador to the UN, explained that the request came from a “deep-seated anger against what the Israelis are doing to our Palestinian brethren.”
In a statement given to the AFP, Omari added that “the emotions of these actors and actresses and the feeling of unity as well as any humanitarian feelings should force us to stand in the face of this annihilation of the Palestinian people.”
She added, “we have become tired of waiting all these years, and we have to take an adamant stand against what is happening. The least we can do is boycott American films.”
Meanwhile, the head of the actors union in Egypt, director Youssef Sha’aban said “this opinion expresses the stand of Egyptian artists in terms of an economic and cultural retaliation. We are hoping that this becomes a popular stand, both in Egypt and the Arab world.
Furthermore, famous scriptwriter Wahid Hamed expressed the importance of “cutting off (American movies) both on the popular and leadership levels.
Hamed, however, said “what is the use of cutting these American movies off when it is plain to see that our satellite channels keep airing American movies for everyone to view at home without any regard to pro-zionist films?”
In reply to the request regarding the Cairo Film Festival, chairman and actor Hussein Fahmy said “the stand of these Egyptian artists is shared by all. On the issue of the participation of American films in the festival; if the distributors were to cut them off; then the festival would have to by default.”
During the last couple of weeks, Egypt’s artists union have participated and led various demonstrations and other activities against Israel’s actions towards the Palestinians. – Albawaba.com.
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
