Egypt's democracy needs respect

Egyptian actor Mahmoud Abdel Moghny Cairo – Mohamed Youssif Egyptian actor Mahmoud Abdel Moghny has defended his new movie “Rad Feal” (A Reaction) in which he states people should "accept certain mental illnesses that people have", and give them the right kid of attention and care. He also defended his stance on the Muslim Brotherhood, the powerful Islamist movement that President Mohammed Morsi belonged to until recently. "People have to respect others' views and decisions," said Moghny, who supports the Islamists. Arabstoday had an exclusive interview with the acclaimed actor: Arabstoday: First of all, what is the message you want to convey through “Rad Feal”? Mahmoud Abdel Moghny: People mental illness need attention and care, and the economic and social situation might be a reason that a person becomes mentally unstable. Add to that the insecurity many people feel after the January Revolution...this is not my opinion but that of many psychiatrists in Egypt, who said the lack of security is considered a reason for many nervous breakdowns and mental disorders. Egypt has become a fertile environment for mental illnesses that spread among people. AT: Is it a suitable time to premiere the film in cinemas now? MAM: When I finish shooting my scenes in any movie, my role is over, so the marketing and the premiere schedule are things related to the production company only. I took a round in more than cinema and I found the audience turnout was very big and I was very happy with it. AT: There are reports saying that the reason behind releasing the movie quickly was because it was stolen during editing? MAM: This is not right, in the end, cinema lovers likes to go to the cinema, and not look at other media to watch films. AT: What is your message in the “Taraf Thaleth” (Third Party) television show, especially since this political theory has spread after the revolution? MAM: We are trying to reveal who is the third party, because it occupied people's thoughts in the whole Egypt, and all the events we faced was linked to the third party. This series stars Amr Youssif, Amir Karara, Nabil Essa, Mohamed Faraag, Hana Sheiha, Mays Hemdan, Yasmine Raees, Ingy al-Mokadem, Dina al-Sherbiny, veteran actress Fadya Abdel Ghany, actor Ahmed Selim and Saied Ragab. It in written by Mostafa Hamdy and Hisham Helal and directed by Mohamed Bakeer. AT: Could “Taralf Thaleth” achieve the same success of “El Mowaten X” (Citizen X)? MAM: We already have our fans who wait for us to introduce a work as an ensemble from last year, and of course they will be waiting for what we will do next year, especially after last year's success. AT: Do you think having so many stars appear on TV in Ramadan drama makes sense? MAM: The audience is the one who will benefit in the end, people want change, something different from what surrounds them in Egypt today AT: Are you willing to work in new shows? MAM: In fact, I have received many offers, but I did not accept any of them in order to concentrate on “Taraf Thaleh” and give it all my time. AT: What about your new cinema projects? MAM: After “Rad Feal” I spoke to the production company about a new project and we will start working on it soon. AT: You have been recorded saying that you respect the Muslim Brotherhood's takeover of power, do you stand by that opinion? MAM: My respect for the Muslim Brotherhood in winning both the parliament and the presidency is respect for the people’s will and decision, and the democratic experiment itself, which should be respected. These results came about through the ballot box for the first time, not through fraud, and this is the most important point in 2011 and in the beginning of 2012. It is how to choose correctly and everyone who votes is sure their voice is given to the one they need. People should not make judgments before after only a few months. Let’s wait until the end and give them a chance.