CAIRO, 18 July 2005 — Egyptian actress Rania Farid Shawki has accepted the leading role for a new film “Al Abna’a Al Kibar” (The Older Children), directed and produced by prominent Syrian comedian-actor Duraid Laham.
The film will be shot on location in Cairo and Damascus, along with a number of locations around the Arab world.
Duraid wrote the script himself, which presents a number of possible solutions to social issues affecting the Arab world.
Duraid was recently stripped of his title as “UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador to the Middle East” for openly stating his opinion regarding “terrorism” in the region.
The actor announced publicly that he does not consider operations carried out by Iraqis and the Palestinians who are defending their lands to be “terrorism,” but instead sees their actions as attempts to defend their homelands against occupying powers.
Duraid stated that anyone who is a goodwill ambassador should not limit himself to the rules set by the UN or by any political faction, but should stand up for what he believes.
Duraid, known as one of the top Arab comedian-actors, began his career in 1960 when Syrian TV first started.
He is well known for his famous character “Ghawwar,” from which many comedy series emanated, such as “Sahh Al Nom” (Good Morning) and “Melh Wa Sukkar” (Salt and Sugar).