Egyptian military breaks into movie business
The Egyptian movie world is chock full of films glorifying the country's military and security forces, and security bodies are becoming increasingly involved in the industry.
CAIRO — Egyptian movie theaters have been buzzing with movies promoting the role of military and security forces.
Since Sept. 28, the crew of "Serry Lilghaya" ("Top Secret") has been working hard to finish shooting and get the movie to theaters for the school mid-term vacation at the end of January 2018. The film depicts developments in Egyptian society from Jan. 25, 2011, until June 30, 2013, when former President Mohammed Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood regime were toppled. The film also focuses on the role of the military in protecting the state and citizens. "Top Secret" casts prominent actors as military leaders, including Egyptian star Ahmed El Sakka as President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi during his time as defense minister.
One of the film's producers is Egyptian businessman Ahmed Abou Hashima, who is close to President Sisi and Egypt's military. In June 2016, Abou Hashima had acquired 50% of a major production company, Egypt for Cinema, which is owned by producer and businessman Kamel Abu Ali.
Another film, "Al-Khaleya" ("The Cell"), tells the story of the murder of a special operations officer from the Interior Ministry in clashes with a terrorist cell and how his colleague pursued his killers.
