Head of public relations at the General Association for Cinema Dina Bakeer has denied recent rumors that Lebanese singer Haifa Wahbi has pulled out from the 18 Damascus Film Festival. Dina revealed that Haifa had attended the dinner ceremony that was held in honor of the festival and Haifa had sat on the same table as the deputy of the Minister of Exterior Faysal Miqdad.
According to the London based Elaph, Haifa had taken numerous pictures at the dinner to prove that the rumors of her backing out are mere lies. Dina stated that the rumors had begun after the singer had announced that she was invited to be a guest of honor at the festival.
Prominent journalist Maha Salma was the first to send an invitation for Haifa to attend the festival and afterwards the singer was sent an official invitation from the organizing committee and head of the festival Mr. Mohammad Al Ahmad.
Al Ahmad had defended his decision to invite Haifa as honorary guest at the event despite criticism. He added that the festival’s cultural identity encourages for it to invite stars that will promote for it.
