Controversy Surrounds 'The Atheist' Movie Release
The upcoming film "The Atheist," set to premiere on August 14, has ignited a firestorm of controversy, leading to campaigns, lawsuits, and demands for its ban across Egypt. Critics argue that the film promotes atheism and undermines Islamic values, while its creators urge the public to reserve judgment until they have seen the film. The Administrative Court of the Egyptian State Council is scheduled to hear a lawsuit from former Zamalek club president Mortada Mansour on August 24, seeking to halt the film's release both domestically and internationally.
The lawsuit accuses key figures, including the Minister of Culture and the film's writer, Ibrahim Issa, of inciting atheism and promoting negative messages that threaten religious values. In response to these allegations, the film's lead actor, Ahmed Hatem, emphasized that critics are basing their opinions on snippets from the trailer and social media, rather than the film itself. He urged detractors to wait for the full release before forming an opinion.
Legal Battles and Artistic Integrity
The film's producer, Ahmed Al-Sabki, defended the work, stating that it has undergone review by Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and complies with Islamic principles. He noted that the film's title, "The Atheist," is the primary source of the backlash, suggesting that had it been named differently, it would not have faced such scrutiny. The film addresses important themes concerning religion and its impact on youth, according to its cast and crew.
Moreover, the film is embroiled in a separate legal dispute over its title with director Nader Seif El-Din, who claims that he holds the rights to a film of the same name released in 2014. This ongoing legal battle adds another layer of complexity to the film's already tumultuous journey toward release. Despite the challenges, the film's producers remain committed to its launch date, asserting that it carries a significant message that audiences will appreciate once they view it.
- The film, starring Sherine Reda, Mahmoud Hemida, and Hussein Fahmy, has faced numerous hurdles since its inception, including multiple postponements and the withdrawal of late actor Mustafa Darwish due to disagreements with the film's author. The narrative follows a young doctor, Yahya, from a religiously conservative family, who grapples with his beliefs and ultimately declares his atheism, prompting a familial crisis. As the release date approaches, the film's ability to navigate these controversies will be closely watched by audiences and critics alike.
