Lubna Abdel Aziz Returns to Cinema

Published February 28th, 2002 - 03:00 GMT

After more than a 30-year sabbatical, Egyptian actress Lubna Abdel Aziz will return to acting in one of the films which the Egyptian filmmakers have saved to surprise and attract their audience, according to the daily al Gomhuria.

Egyptian director Madhat al Sibae’e has managed to convince the prominent actress to engage in acting again and perform the role of mother for the young actress Nelly Karim in his new film Mal Wa Hanan (Money and Affection) which he scripted. Costarring in the film are Hani Ramzi, Hasan Hosni and Gamil Rateb.

The film’s shooting will begin after two weeks in the Egyptian resort of Sharm al Sheikh, Luxor and Aswan. The film is about the lack of the mother’s affection these days while everybody needs it particularly in view of the people’s strife for money.

Abdel Aziz built her successful career during ten only between 1957-1967 during which she starred in 15 films. Her last film was al A’ib (Shame) along with the late actor Rushdi Abaza under the direction of Galal al Sharqawi. She then quitted acting and lived in the USA after her marriage to Dr. Ismael Baradah. She returned to settle for good in Egypt few years ago

Her first movie was al Wisada al Khalia (The Empty Pillow), alongside Egypt's favorite Abdel Halim Hafez, and she was to act in 14 films before stepping out of the limelight. Indeed, the name Abdel Aziz has become synonymous with romance.

Abdel Aziz was right there in the center of that period, playing opposite stars like Rushdi Abaza, Ahmed Mazhar, Omar al Sherif and Abdel Halim Hafez. In the 15 films she made in Egypt, she played a diverse range of characters that crossed all levels of society.

Abdel Aziz has also answered the dreams of announcer Najwa Ibrahim, the former head of the Family and Child Channel. The graceful movie actress presents a special program for children entitled Iqraa Li Teflek (Read for Your Child) on the show, helping the young readers find their favorite books.

Abdel Aziz earlier presented a special program on children for the Egyptian Broadcasting Corp., attracting a large number of listeners and prompting Ibrahim to rush to her with a contract -- Albawaba.com