Laila Elwi’s dream of the cinema comes to life

Egyptian actress Laila Elwi has revealed that her film “Bahib El Cinema” (I Love the Cinema) is finally going through its final stages of production and will soon be screened after being delayed for over two years. The actress noted that she personally goes on daily checkups to ensure that everything is going as planned saying she still cannnot believe that after all this time the film will finally be out. 

According to the UAE based daily, Al Bayan, Laila announced that final touches are being placed on the film so it can be ready in a month’s time and in order to be ready for display at the upcoming Cairo film festival. The film written by Hani Fouzi and directed by Osama Fouzi will costar Egyptian actor Mahmoud Hamida alongside Laila. 

Laila had expressed her disappointment for not completing the film earlier and said the cause was the increasing cost of cinema productions. She added this is the first time in her life that a film production she worked on has been forced to be cut short and not left incomplete. 

The film “Hub El Banat” (Girls’ Romance) has added a lot of success to Laila Elwi’s acting career, and has led a number of producers and directors to rush to her doorsteps with new film offers. The latest offer the actress has received is a leading role as Sajida, the wife of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein, in the new movie “Nisaa Babel” (Women of Babbel) written by Tawfiq Ahmad. Laila has strongly refused to accept the role saying that she will not involve herself in any film opposing or supporting Saddam Hussein at the current time. She added that film writers should avoid rushing to conclusions of situations that are happening in the region, adding that in the film the role of Sajida portrays a very negative character of the wife of Saddam and shows no positive aspects.  

Laila called on all Egyptian actresses to turn down the role if they are offered to them and not accept under any circumstance. She added that an acceptance by the actual Sajida must be given before making such a movie that gives her such a bad image.  

Madkour Thabet, member of the Egyptian Censorship Committee, has up to this moment denied receiving any new film script that deals with the life of the former president of Iraq. He added that the committee will not under any circumstance upon receiving the script agree to such a film that tackles the lives of people who are fighting against US invasion of their country. Thabet stressed that people should not condemn a woman for the mere fact that she is the wife of a former president, whose country has been overtaken by invaders.  

Earlier this year, Elwi denied circulating rumors of her engagement to TV announcer Mu’taz Damardash and stressed he is only a good friend. Laila confirmed that Mu’taz had married for the second time only two months ago. Rumors had it the single actress had an intimate relationship with the TV announcer after they were seen together in different occasion. Laila said that Mu’taz is just a very good friend and there relationship never exceeded that level. - Albawaba.com