In a cinematic feast that unfolded against the stunning backdrop of El Gouna, Salama shared his joy about the film's debut, shedding light on the origins of this 18-minute masterpiece and the collaborative magic that brought it to life.
About 60 Geneih
Director Amr Salama, the visionary behind 60 Geneih, expressed joy at the film's screening during the festival's opening. Initially conceived as a video song by rapper Ziad Zaza, the film evolved into an 18-minute exploration of poverty, family bonds, and the transformative power of music.
The film's unique journey began with Ziad Zaza's thoughts and feelings, ultimately becoming a captivating narrative. The movie's unexpected transformation into a short film brought positive reactions, fueling Salama's happiness.
Mixing Dreams & Realities
Amr Salama, known for his artistic choices, collaborated with Ziad Zaza to create a unique blend of a music video and a short film. The film's inception as a rap song allowed Salama to craft a narrative that broke into Ziad Zaza's ideas and obsessions.
The film explores the life of a gifted teenager, Ziad, living in poverty with his mother and disabled brother. The film unveils a dark secret that binds his family together. Through musical daydreams, Ziad was offered an opportunity for a fresh start.
Zaza's Acting Debut
In a bold move, Salama collaborated with rapper Ziad Zaza, emphasizing that talent is the most critical factor. He stated that anyone able to act and captivate an audience is welcome in cinema. However, Zaza sought guidance from acting coaches to enhance his on-screen presence.
Amr Salama's choice to collaborate with rapper Ziad Zaza in 60 Geneih is not his first attempt to merge the world of rap with cinema. Drawing parallels to his earlier collaboration with Wegz in Bimbo, from Salama's perspective, all rappers are performers with inherent talent.
Amr Salama's Cinematic Universe
While 60 Geneih marked its debut at GFF, Shamarekh, starring Aser Yassin and Amina Khalil, dominated Egyptian theaters with over 10 million pounds within the first 10 days of its release.
Amr Salama, known for his diverse filmography, including Asmaa and Sheikh Jackson, teased his upcoming project, Shams El Zanati. Set to be released in 2024, the film narrates the stories of friendships in the period before the original movie's era.