The UAE premiere of one of the biggest movies this summer, Al Maslaha, took place on Tuesday at Grand Festival Cinemas with not one, but two huge stars present: Ahmad Ezz and Ahmad Al Sakka, much to the delight of fans. After two days of promo this week, by Monday evening — when tabloid! headed over to the Grand Hyatt to meet the pair — both Ahmads looked exhausted.
"I think we have been up for two days now," Al Sakka laughed, while Ezz added: "We're looking forward to dinner, because I'm hungry — where do you think we should go for seafood?"
Here is part one of our Al Maslaha special with Ezz. (Check back next week for Al Sakka's interview.)
You're back in Dubai for the premiere of Al Maslaha. You seem to love it here.
Yes, I love Dubai. The last time I was here was for the premiere of 365 Youm, but then I have also attended the film festivals and whatnot. What I appreciate about Dubai, is that people here really appreciate film, and this is reflected in the diverse range of genres showing.
Tell us more about the film.
It's a thriller written by Wael Abdullah and directed by Sandra Nasha'at [his fourth film with the popular female director], and it revolves around the story of a police officer — played by [Al] Sakka — versus a drug kingpin. Basically, something personal happens to the officer, resulting in him going after my character.
The film features a number of other stars, including Hanan Turk and Zeina.
What was it like working with Al Sakka?
It was a fantastic. We have known each other for so long, and it was nice to feature in a film together. At the end of the day, we're two actors, and we have a director telling us what to do. Nobody treated us as "Sakka and Ezz" — they treated us as normal people, and that was a nice thing, because the cast and crew was one big family.
But obviously you knew the star power would attract audiences...
Honestly, we never thought about it that way. We just wanted to work together. As an actor, while it's nice to be the lead in some films, it is also nice to be starring alongside other great leads. Life is more simple than [having] to keep thinking about this type of thing.
Those who think that way — constantly about competition — are those that do not succeed.
It is interesting you mention competition, because the Arab media always makes out that you and Al Sakka are rivals.
Not at all! We have been friends from a very long time ago. Even his mother treats me like a son.
It was great to star with him in a film, and [I] especially like him right now when he stops talking — that way I get to speak during an interview! [They both laugh.]
The film released in Egypt last week, and this week sees the elections taking place. Were you not worried about current events having an effect on ticket sales?
No, the film has already produced an excellent box office result at opening, and to us it is unrelated — at the end of the day, fans need to get away from it all, so we're entertainment for when they need it. It won't have a negative effect.
Will you be voting?
Of course. It is important that everyone votes in this election. This is a time when people really need to give their voice, because the future of our country depends on every single one of us.
I am not going to mention who I will vote for, and I will tell you why — because I don't want to influence anyone with my choice. My fans, for example, might decide to vote for the same candidate, while those who hate me won't choose the candidate because I revealed I voted for them. So I don't want to harm my chosen candidate either.
Are you worried that the entertainment industry will be affected if a religious candidate wins?
At the end of the day, whoever is elected is who the people of Egypt have chosen, and we have to respect the majority. But I am sure it won't be affected regardless.
A number of international stars are currently at the Cannes Film Festival. Have you ever thought of going international?
Yes, if the offer is suitable and the role is something that would be new to me, then of course.
I don't want to go to Hollywood, for example, just to say that I did it. It needs to be for a good role — something I could add to my filmography.
Who would be your ideal international co-stars?
[I] love Edward Norton, he is an amazing actor. As for a romantic lead, it would have to be Catherine Zeta Jones. To me, she's the most beautiful woman in the world.
You're not participating in any television dramas this Ramadan, but I heard you have another movie coming up soon...
Yes, it's called Helm Aziz, in which I play a highly ambitious character, but a number of events affect his life. It's due out in Eid Al Fitr this year.
What is the one type of role you still have not taken on?
Definitely a historical one. [I] would love to play someone like Khalid Ibn Al Walid. That would probably be the most challenging and difficult type of role to take on. You definitely need a lot of experience to do historical dramas.
