THE PREACHER
Filmfest 2017
(MAWLANA)
Egypt 2016
Original version with English subtitles
(Original: Arabic)
German Premiere
Director: Magdy Ahmed Ali
Section: Spotlight
Sheikh Hatem (Amr Saad) stands out in a society influenced by fundamentalist views. From leading the prayers at a government mosque to becoming a popular TV celebrity issuing fatwas that deviate from the traditional religious rhetoric, he has amassed millions of fans. His responses on TV reveal a witty and eloquent person against a backdrop of darkness, where power struggles rage. Hatem finds himself caught within a complex web of conflict - his personal life unravels and he tries to stay above the politics of institutions. When he is entangled in a delicate matter, he has to find a way to make a dent in the climate of hypocrisy and fear.
Cast: Amr Saad, Dorra Zarrouk, Ahmed Magdy, Reham Haggag, Bayoumi Fouad
Credits
Screenplay: Magdy Ahmed Ali
Original Material: Ibrahim Issa
Director of Photography: Ahmad Bishari
Film Editor: Soulafa Noureddin
Composer: Adel Hakki
Costume Design: Hend Haidar
Sound: Mohammad Fawzi
Producer: Amgad Sabri
Production Company: iproductions
World Sales: Cedars Art Production (Sabbah Brothers)
Director: Magdy Ahmed Ali
biography
Magdy Ahmed Ali is a director, writer and producer. He studied at the Higher Institute of Cinema and worked closely as an assistant director with leading Arab directors including Mohamad Khan and Youssef Chahine. Ali's first film YA DUNIA YA GHARAMI (O LIFE, MY PASSION, 1996) won the Best Film and Best Actress awards at the Montreal World Film Festival. His filmography includes AL BATAL (The Hero, 1997), ), the multi-award winning ASSRAR EL BANAT (A GIRL'S SECRET, 2001), KHALTET FAWZIYAH (FAWZEYA'S SECRET RECIPE, 2008) and AASSAFEER AL JANNA (THE NILE BIRDS, 2009).
