كامل الباشا لـ"الشرق": "برتقالة من يافا" يكشف سادية إسرائيل ضد الفلسطينيين

"Orange from Jaffa" Highlights Israeli Brutality Against Palestinians

Palestinian actor Kamal Al-Basha is participating in the current edition of the El Gouna Film Festival with two films: "Orange from Jaffa" directed by Mohamed El-Magni and "Thank you for dreaming with us" by director Layla Abbas.

"Orange from Jaffa": A Glimpse into Palestinian Suffering

Al-Basha emphasized that "Orange from Jaffa" sheds light on the sadistic practices of the Israelis against Palestinians and their suffering, presented from new perspectives. The film explores the daily struggles faced by Palestinians both inside and outside Palestine, exposing the harsh realities of life under Israeli occupation.

Al-Basha portrays the character of the taxi driver who transports a young Palestinian man to Jaffa. The driver, Farouk, faces an escalating crisis when he learns that the young man, Mohamed, has already been stopped at an Israeli checkpoint. "Orange from Jaffa" is a short film, co-produced by Palestine, Poland, and France, and has participated in several international film festivals, earning accolades for its impactful narrative.

"Thank You for Dreaming with Us": Exploring Family and Inheritance

In "Thank You for Dreaming with Us," Al-Basha plays the role of the uncle of two sisters, Mariam and Nora. Their father has recently passed away, leaving behind a substantial inheritance. The sisters plot to seize the inheritance before their brother learns of their father's death, fearing he will inherit half the estate. They seek help from their uncle, but he refuses and insists that their brother deserves his rightful share.

The film, directed and written by Layla Abbas, features Yasmien Al-Masri, Clara Khoury, Kamal Al-Basha, and Ashraf Barhoum. It is a collaborative production between Palestine, Germany, and Qatar.

Al-Basha on the El Gouna Film Festival and Artistic Resistance

Al-Basha expressed his appreciation for the diversity and quality of the films showcased at the El Gouna Film Festival, highlighting the Palestinian film "After" directed by Maha Hajj, which he considers one of the most impactful works. He praised the film's ability to transport viewers to a place beyond the familiar settings commonly depicted in Palestinian films, acknowledging its compelling narrative, writing, cinematography, and acting.

Addressing criticism concerning the staging of artistic events amidst the ongoing conflicts in Palestine and Lebanon, Al-Basha asserted that life must continue. He emphasized the crucial role of Palestinian and Arab artists in resisting through art and culture, ensuring the continuity of films and festivals.

Al-Basha strongly believes that the Palestinian people must hold onto life. He views them as a resilient people who deserve a life of dignity and are fighting for it. He emphasized that despite the ongoing conflict, life cannot be stopped, especially considering the 75 years of suffering endured by the Palestinian people.

He affirmed the Palestinian people's commitment to liberating their land, drawing inspiration from history, which testifies that no occupation lasts forever. He expressed his ultimate dream as the liberation of his homeland.

Rejecting Stereotypical Roles and Promoting Arab Representation

Al-Basha revealed his refusal to participate in numerous international artistic productions where he was offered roles portraying terrorists or characters that perpetuate negative stereotypes about Arab citizens. This year alone, he declined two films centered around former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, deeming them to be accusatory toward Arabs and lacking in factual accuracy.

Al-Basha highlighted the importance of artists possessing the necessary intelligence to recognize the dangers of participating in such works. He expressed his concern over the prevalence of opportunities for Arab artists in international cinema that rely on perpetuating negative portrayals of Arab culture.

New Projects and the Importance of Artistic Choice

Al-Basha is currently engaged in a new artistic venture, participating in the British series "Culprits," a Disney original production. He is also actively involved in filming the Egyptian film "Lion," starring Mohamed Ramadan and directed by Mohamed Diab. The film delves into a pivotal historical topic set two centuries ago.

Al-Basha emphasized that the film features action scenes and revealed that he underwent training to deliver them with professionalism and realism. He further announced that he will commence filming a new Palestinian film next month, focusing on Palestinian prisoners. The film revolves around a woman whose lover is imprisoned for 30 years in Israeli jails, who remains steadfastly waiting for him. However, when he is released, he struggles to confront her due to the hardships he endured in prison.

Al-Basha emphasized the meticulous care he takes in selecting his artistic projects, stating his dedication to presenting impactful stories to audiences. He continuously strives to deliver relevant and thought-provoking narratives that resonate with a wider audience.