I’m not exploiting the revolution

Ahmed Eid Cairo - Mohamed Alloush Egyptian actor Ahmed Eid has denied he is exploiting the revolution, as rumours claimed, in his new film ‘Hadh Said’ (Good Luck). The star insistedt he was one of the first actors to participate in the protests and that he kept fighting until the President (Mubarak) stepped down. Arabstoday met Ahmed Eid for an interview. AT: Your much awaited new film  ‘Hadh Said’ (Good Luck) portrays the events of the revolution. Is it an attempt to ‘use’ the revolution, as some say? AE: I call on all who accuse me to watch the movie before judging. If I had the intention to use the revolution to my own advantage, I would have simply appeared on TV and spoken about the days I spent in Tahrir Square; or introduced videos of me sleeping on the sidewalk; or tried to run for the membership of the People’s Assembly or of any other party. I chose not to do it, as I would be exploiting myself, not only the revolution. The producers said that the movie will be released in March; however, there are still a few scenes to shoot. We hope to finish them as soon as possible, so that the film can be displayed in March as planned, otherwise we’ll have to wait till the next summer. AT: Were you in favour of the political forces’ demands to hand power to a civil presidential council? AE: The rule of the Security Council of Armed Force (SCAF) is not justifiable, especially since they have promised to hand over the power within six months. I hope they will do it as soon as possible, like they have promised once again recently. AT: You joined the protests since the very beginning, but you didn’t  participate in the recent rallies. Why? AE: The state of disagreement among protesters profoundly hurts me. I don’t understand them. I wonder why we are not able to agree anymore, as we used to do at the beginning of the revolution, when we were united under the unanimous chant: “Leave”. What is painful as well is that Egyptians chose to disagree for the sake of it. AT: How do you judge the contrast between the opposite parties? AE: The conflict between parties is seriously compromising the revolution. I appeal to those involved to put their personal interests aside and work in the interest of Egypt. AT: What do you think of the Egyptian media after the revolution? AE: Egyptian television is clearly flattering the army like it used to do with Mubarak when he was in power, as they now represent the highest authority. I believe they will be biased to the new President as well, as they do with whoever has the power. AT: Will you appear in any TV series this Ramadan? AE: I am working on a drama project at the moment. In general, I don’t have objections to performing in a TV series.