Egypt's Controversial Film 'The Atheist' Sparks Debate on Religion
After a lengthy period of delays and legal challenges, the film 'The Atheist' has made its debut in theaters, concluding years of controversy and intense scrutiny that preceded its release.
The film, regarded as one of the most debated cinematic works in Egypt in recent years, faced significant backlash for tackling a highly sensitive religious topic.
Despite the fierce criticism on social media, the film's cast and creators celebrated its special premiere on Monday night, emphasizing that their intention is not to offend religion but to create a platform for intellectual discussion that promotes justice.
* Ahmed Hatem: Engaging with the Audience is Essential
In exclusive remarks, actor Ahmed Hatem, the film's lead, acknowledged the wave of criticism that accompanied the project prior to its release, stating that he cannot engage in conflict with the audience, regardless of the reasons for the backlash.
Hatem noted that the film addresses a topic many are reluctant to discuss, asserting that such dialogue ultimately benefits the "justice of religion." He revealed that preparing for his role required considerable time and effort, as he worked with a specialized acting coach to authentically portray his character, expressing hope for the film's success.
Regarding the years of delays, Hatem mentioned that he was not bothered, as the timing of the release is determined by the production company, censorship, and relevant authorities, suggesting that the current moment might be advantageous for the film.
* Hussein Fahmy: Healthy Debate Surrounds Art
Actor Hussein Fahmy stated he was not disturbed by the intense criticism, describing it as "very fierce," and emphasized that discussions surrounding any artistic work that tackles fundamental issues are a healthy phenomenon.
Fahmy explained that 'The Atheist' is one of the most significant films he has participated in, as it addresses atheism, a phenomenon present across all religions, not just Islam. He noted that public backlash was primarily due to the film's title, without viewers having seen its content, particularly since it was produced in an Islamic country and tells the story of a young Muslim experiencing an intellectual crisis.
* Ahmed El Sobky: The Film Supports Religion
Producer Ahmed El Sobky expressed his enthusiasm for the film, asserting its artistic and intellectual value. He firmly denied that the work is against Islam, stating:
"The film is in favor of religion, not against it; neither I nor any team member is opposed to religion."
El Sobky added that the audience's surprise stemmed solely from the title, expressing confidence that viewers' perspectives would change completely after watching the film.
* Mando El Adl: Five Years of Anxiety and Legal Challenges
Director Mando El Adl revealed the anxiety and tension he experienced leading up to the film's release, confirming that he endured five years of successive crises and delays, along with legal challenges filed against him without prior viewing of the work.
El Adl assured that the film does not contain any offense to Islam or Muslims, nor does it include extremist or negative ideas; rather, it is an artistic work with genuine intellectual value, urging the public to judge it after viewing, rather than solely based on its title.
* Notable Cast and Crew
The film 'The Atheist' features a star-studded cast, including Ahmed Hatem, Mahmoud Hamida, Hussein Fahmy, Sabreen, and Naglaa Badr. It is written by Ibrahim Eissa, directed by Mando El Adl, and produced by Ahmed El Sobky.
After years of prohibition and controversy, the judgment now lies with the audience in theaters, away from prior judgments and circulating accusations.
