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Daily News Egypt
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily News Egypt
From Al Mashroa X to The Seven Dogs: Karim Abdel Aziz charts new era for Egyptian film
Egyptian superstar Karim Abdel Aziz continues to cement his legacy as one of the most influential figures in modern Arab cinema, known for striking a rare balance between commercial success and artistic depth. Following the phenomenal box office performance of Al Mashroa X, which drew huge audiences and critical acclaim, Abdel Aziz now returns with another ambitious project: The Seven Dogs, a high-octane thriller slated for release later this year. In Al Mashroa X, Abdel Aziz delivers a layered and charismatic performance, blending suspense with emotional nuance — a testament to his growth as an actor and his talent for portraying complex characters. With The Seven Dogs, he ventures into a new cinematic territory, leading a big-budget action film that promises technical excellence and a fresh regional perspective on global genres. As anticipation builds, Karim Abdel Aziz reflects on his latest work, his creative partnerships, and his vision for the future of Arab cinema. What drew you to Al Mashroa X? What really grabbed me was the story. It offers a fresh, thrilling take on ancient Egyptian civilisation. When director Peter Mimi first pitched the idea, I was immediately hooked — especially because it's rooted in a fascinating scientific premise that drives the entire plot. It's not just an action film; it has a proper narrative arc. And, of course, the team behind it and my trust in the director played a major role in my decision to sign on. How does the film highlight Ancient Egyptian history? It explores our ancient history through a lens of mystery and suspense. I don't want to give too much away, but these historical elements are central to the story. I believe audiences will not only be entertained but also feel a renewed sense of pride in our heritage when they see it brought to life onscreen. What was the filming experience like? Honestly, it was one of the most challenging shoots I've ever done. We filmed for about nine months across Egypt, Italy, Turkey, and several other locations. Every detail came with its own set of difficulties. But the excitement we all felt for the project kept us going. Personally, the Vatican scenes and the pyramid sequences were the toughest — but we made it through, and I'm really proud of the result. It's said this is Egypt's first film to use IMAX technology. How did that work out? Yes — for the first time in Egyptian cinema, we incorporated IMAX filming technology. Some scenes were shot directly using IMAX cameras; in other cases, we used other high-resolution formats and converted them to IMAX. Either way, I think audiences are in for a visually stunning experience — it's going to be a treat for both the eyes and the mind. When did work on Al Mashroa X begin? We started preparing for the film more than a year ago, with the late producer Hossam Shawky — may he rest in peace — and executive producer Fathy Ismail. Both of them were instrumental in getting the project off the ground. Sadly, they passed away before its completion, but their vision and dedication are deeply embedded in the final product. Do you worry about box office performance? Not at all. That's in God's hands. What matters to me is whether people connect with the film and leave the theatre having experienced something meaningful. Box office numbers are unpredictable — they go up and down like musical notes, and there's no exact formula. Since my very first film, I've stopped chasing numbers. I focus on quality work that stands the test of time. Tell us about your next film, The Seven Dogs. The Seven Dogs is a truly international production. It uses cutting-edge techniques and is packed with surprises. We shot it at Al-Hosn Studios in Saudi Arabia. The cast includes Ahmed Ezz, Hana El Zahed, Nasser Al Qasabi, and some big international names in guest roles. It's an action-thriller with a $40m budget, and I believe it will show audiences a bold new direction for Arab cinema. Are you concerned about releasing two major films so close together? Not in the slightest. I'm genuinely excited about both. Each film brings something unique to the table and adds a different dimension to my career. They're very different experiences — different tones, different messages. What matters most is that we're giving the audience something fresh and ambitious, and that's what we've aimed for. When is The Seven Dogs expected to premiere? As of now, it's scheduled for release this September — unless something changes at the last minute. I'm really hopeful that audiences will embrace it the same way they did Al Mashroa X. What's your view on celebrities doing brand endorsements — you've done a few yourself. Honestly, it's a global trend. Even the biggest Hollywood stars do ads. And I consider it a blessing — if the public doesn't love you, no brand will come knocking. It's as simple as that. You've been away from television since your hit series El Ekhteyar. Why the long break? TV is a whole different landscape. When you're on television, you're entering people's homes — uninvited, in a sense — so the work has to be meaningful, fresh, and gripping, like El Ekhteyar was. With cinema, the audience comes to you by choice. But on TV, you can't just offer filler content. If something truly unique and worthwhile comes my way, I'll be back — no doubt about it.
Daily News Egypt
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily News Egypt
Eid al-Adha 2025: Big stars return—between blockbuster buzz, fears of formula fatigue
Egyptian cinemas are gearing up for one of their strongest Eid al-Adha seasons in recent years, as major stars make a high-profile return to the big screen. This comes in contrast to the more experimental Eid al-Fitr season earlier in 2025, which leaned heavily on new faces and youthful risks. The films officially hit theaters on 6 June, coinciding with the first day of Eid al-Adha. While diverse in genre and storylines, this year's lineup shares two key traits: hefty production budgets and a deep reliance on familiar A-list names. Amid the buzz, however, critics and audiences alike are asking: can these films break free from the repetitive moulds of past seasons and genuinely refresh the language of popular Egyptian cinema? Spotlight on the New Releases Al Mashroa X: Karim Abdel Aziz's Pharaonic Return Leading the charge is 'Al Mashroa X,' Karim Abdel Aziz's long-awaited comeback in a visually ambitious historical thriller. Playing Egyptologist Youssef El Gamal, he embarks on a mysterious journey through Giza's tombs and the Egyptian Museum to unravel secrets behind the Great Pyramid's construction. Directed by Peter Mimi and enhanced by IMAX visuals, the film aims to blend historical intrigue with blockbuster spectacle. The cast includes Engy Al-Moqaddem, Mahmoud El Bezaawy, and Nidal El Shafie. Ahmed w Ahmed: Comedy in Double Trouble Ahmed El Sakka and Ahmed Fahmy team up for the buddy comedy 'Ahmed w Ahmed,' where mistaken identities between uncle and nephew spark a series of chaotic, action-filled encounters with a criminal gang. Directed by Ahmed Nader Galal and written by Ahmed Darwish and Mohamed Abdallah, the film also stars Hana El Zahed, Engy Al-Moqaddem, Mohamed Gomaa, and Mostafa Gharib. Restart: Tamer Hosny Reboots Romance Tamer Hosny returns with 'Restart,' a romantic comedy about a man trying to reboot his love life after repeated failures. It's classic Hosny fare—emotional yet breezy. Directed by Sarah Wafik and written by Ayman Bahgat Kamar, the film co-stars Hana El Zahed, Basem Samra, Engy Ali, and Mai Kassab. Asad: Mohamed Ramadan's Mamluk Rebellion Breaking from his modern tough-guy persona, Mohamed Ramadan stars in 'Asad,' a historical epic set in the Mamluk era. Playing Abdul Thaer, he leads a popular uprising against the ruling elite. Written and directed by Mohamed Diab, the cast includes Majed El Kedwany, Razan Gamal, and Ali Kassem. The film promises a socially resonant historical vision. Darwish: Amr Youssef's High-Stakes Hustle In 'Darwish,' Amr Youssef plays a slick conman whose carefully constructed scam unravels when ghosts from his past resurface. The film blends psychological drama with dark comedy. Directed by Walid El Halfawy and written by Wissam Sabry, the film features Dina El Sherbiny, Tara Emad, and Asmaa Abu El Yazeed. Ferket El Moot: Action with Ezz and Yassin Action fans get their fix in 'Ferket El Moot,' starring Ahmed Ezz and Asser Yassin as elite operatives tackling a major national security threat. Directed by Ahmed Alla and written by Salah El Gahiny, the film co-stars Menna Shalaby, Mahmoud Hemida, and Mohamed El Sharnouby. The dynamic between Ezz and Yassin anchors this high-octane thriller. El Shater: Karara's Tale of Revenge 'El Shater' sees Amir Karara playing a man from Cairo's working-class neighbourhoods, seeking revenge on those who wrecked his life. A gritty story of redemption and retribution. Directed by Ahmed El Gendy and written by Mohamed Abdel Muti, the film also stars Mohamed Abdel Rahman (Tota), Asmaa Galal, and Bayoumi Fouad. Rocky El-Ghalaba: Donia Samir Ghanem Steps into the Ring Donia Samir Ghanem returns in Rocky El-Ghalaba, a story of an underdog female boxer fighting against social and economic odds to reach the top. Written by Sherif Naguib and directed by Khaled El Halfawy, the cast includes Mohamed Mamdouh, Bayoumi Fouad, and Mohamed Tharwat. The film balances humour with powerful social commentary. Zawget Ragl Msh Mohem: Yasmin Abdulaziz Finds Her Voice In 'Zawget Ragl Msh Mohem,' Yasmin Abdulaziz stars as a woman discovering her husband's betrayal and reclaiming her identity. The film explores feminist themes in a modern, emotional context. Written by Sherine Diab and directed by Sameh Abdel Aziz, it features Ahmed Salah Hosny, Salwa Khattab, and Ahmed Malik. El Gawahergy: Henedy and Mona Zaki Reunite Comedy veterans Mohamed Henedy and Mona Zaki reunite in 'El Gawahergy,' a nostalgic marital comedy full of misunderstandings and comic twists. Directed by Islam Khairy, the film also stars Lebleba, Ahmed Halawa, Tara Emad, and Reem Mostafa. From Eid al-Fitr to Eid al-Adha: A Seasonal Shift While Eid al-Fitr 2025 celebrated youthful experimentation—seen in titles like 'Siko Siko' with Karim Mahmoud Abdel Aziz, Wegz, and Mohamed Taher—Eid al-Adha doubles down on star power. It's a season shaped by high production values, tried-and-true formulas, and a push to reignite mass appeal. Yet with this return to familiar faces comes a familiar concern: repetition. Will these films deliver fresh narratives and cinematic innovation, or simply repackage past successes under glossier packaging? What's at Stake for Egyptian Cinema? The Eid al-Adha season marks a pivotal moment for Egyptian cinema. Can it harness the drawing power of its stars to meaningfully evolve its storytelling? Or will it retreat into formulaic safety nets that prioritize names over nuance? The audience, as always, will cast the final vote at the box office. But the deeper question remains: is the industry's revival found in glittering casts, or in the courage to write new stories, take creative risks, and invest in fresh cinematic voices?
