Yusra’s yet-to-be-released movie ‘Al Asifa,’ (The Storm) has generated so much publicity that the movie has already become a full-fledged state of emergency!
According to ‘Al Bayan’ newspaper, the movie, which takes on various controversial subjects, has been criticized prior to its release by those who believe that it aims at degrading Arab policy.
Some of the themes covered by The Storm include Arab separation and how Arabs stand face to face and not side by side during wars; very sensitive issues!
The movie depicts the story of a mother, Yusra, who finds herself having to release her sons, Hani Salama and Mohammad Mohammad Najati, to the army, during the Gulf War.
The problems start when one brother decides to join the Iraqi army and another decides to join The Egyptian side against Iraq.
The broken hearted mother, then decides to take matters into her own hands and takes to the streets in sit-ins, demonstrations and speeches regarding the lack of Arab solidarity. During her crusade, the mother criticizes the US and any other country she blames for the problem between Arabs.
Meanwhile, the actress had answers for those who attacked the movie saying “those who criticized the movie have really been impulsive. They based every idea they had on mere hearsay and talk. In fact, the movie does not in any way touch upon Kuwait. It actually praises them for their solidarity in their time of trouble,” she said.
“I would never participate in any film that is bad for the Arab world,” added Yusra.
On the lighter side, of her role as a mother, Yusra said that she has no problem portraying an older woman.
“I actually was very excited to do such a role because it is innovative and because the movie in itself discusses issues that are very important to the region,” she explained.
Furthermore, the actress said that although she was scheduled to release her first album two years ago, the project was postponed due to technical problems. The album, which is coming out soon, includes various songs the actress performed throughout her career on the Silver Screen.
However, the actress has no illusions about a singing career.
“I do not say that I have a great voice, but I know how to present a song with feeling and honesty… Now all I have to do is wait for the audience’s reaction,” said Yusra.
The actress then denied any upcoming collaboration between herself, Kathem El Saher and Majida Al Roumi, saying that “I am a great fan of both of these artists and would love to work with them, but nothing has been set yet.
She said that rumors stating that she had appeared in one of his music videos are false.
On Majida Al Roumi, Yusra said that although she had joined the Lebanese songstress for a song, two years ago, Tawq El Yasamine (The Jasmine Tiara), nothing else happened.
The busy bee, has yet another project coming up; a television series Awan El Ward (Time of Flowers), with writer Wahid Hamed, who nominated the actress for the role.
“I am fully confident in Hamed’s work and I have worked with him on different occasions. Every time I worked with him has been a success,” she added.
Meanwhile, the series, which has commenced shooting, will be aired during the upcoming Ramadan-Eid – Albawaba.com.
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
