Amr Diab longs for the cinema

Ten years after his last appearance on the big screen, prominent Egyptian pop star Amr Diab signed a contract with scenarist Midhat Al Adel to write a new film especially for him, and has now broken the contract. According to the London based weekly, Sayidaty, Diab had requested that the film revolve around his personal journey throughout his career and how he overcame so many obstacles to reach stardom. Al Adel wrote the script, but instead of having Amr take the role, it was given to young actor Ahmad Al Sakka. Sources claim disputes over Diab’s payment arose.

Amr claims that he was the one who rejected the film because it did not suit him or reflect his real journey, describing the script as “weak.” Amr stated that he is seeking a respectful and dignified film that is well written and reflects his personality and his actual struggle to fame in a realistic manner. He wants to act in a film that matches his stardom and history, and will mark a major milestone in his career, he added.

On a different note, Diab had decided to screen his latest music video for the song “Wi Malo” (What If) in cinema houses around Egypt, a precedent for an Arab music video. Amr filmed the clip in London with a budget of over 2 million Egyptian pounds under the direction of two international directors, who directed clips for Sting, also a first for an Arab music video.
Critics have described the clip as one of the best in Arabic music history. In the past Amr chose touristy locations in Egypt to film his clips; however he felt the new song required a special filming location, in addition to a highly qualified filming crew, that would have been difficult to bring to Egypt.

Diab’s recent album "Kamil Kalamak" (Finish Your Words), featuring ten songs, was chosen as the ‘best album for 2005’ and the song "Kamil Kalamak" was chosen as ‘best song.’ - © 2006 Al Bawaba
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