Mohamed Hefzy

Like everyone, I now feel a renewed sense of pride of being Egyptian. However this was only the first part of this journey.
The key now is to build the future. As a film-maker, I’m not concerned about the losses that my film Microphone or the industry in general has suffered these past and approaching weeks. I’m only thinking of the gains we achieved, and those who died and struggled to make them come true. After all that’s a small price to pay in a revolution…

It is often said that distinction precedes some men, and these exact men exude integrity without uttering a word. Mohamed Hefzy is an ideal example; a successful engineer by day managing his father’s business and a diligent writer/ producer by night, and despite being one of the most sought after writers in the region with blockbusters such as Tito, Malaky Eskindrya, Tourbini, 45 days, Fatah Einak and Microphone under his belt, he is very low key, down to earth and understated. Today, his crossover accomplishments bring him justified acclamation and reconfirm his status of endless vision, devotion, determination and the courage to take on even the most challenging of projects…

Do you believe that we have a crisis within the Industry?
Yes, I definitely think there is a problem.

Is this crisis associated to the screenplay, theatre availability or production/financing?
I believe the crisis is jointly related to both the production, and an industry that isn’t functioning correctly. Frankly speaking, the economic crisis that surfaced at the end of 2008 is what distinctly exposed the crisis within the industry, by revealing the gradual build-up of problems. In 2004 when satellite channels like Rotana and ART began buying movies there was a higher demand for producers to make more films, and with only a handful of fine actors and directors, consequently the wages and expenses became increasingly higher. In a matter of a couple of years, the gross-sum of any production multiplied and these satellite channels that were formerly sustaining the industry, were severely affected by the financial catastrophe, resulting in the existing crisis.

We hear of soaring earnings as high as twenty and thirty million per film, is this a fact?
Regrettably this is true; in fact some are even higher. We cannot alter or even force change. This is the current market; hence it’s determined by the view and demand, and in a couple of years everything will return to the norm. So, accordingly there will be frontrunners and there will be sufferers.

From your perspective – have there been any benefits to the industry since the economic crisis?
In point of fact, yes. Because producing a film is overpriced – the extent of films produced and released was declined and thus the quality improved. I for one - struggled a little in 2009, but in 2010 things brightened up and we were back on course…

Which films did you carry out in 2010?
Up till now, ‘Sameer, Shaheer and Baheer’, which as you know was an awesome success, and ‘Microphone’, which will be out next month. I’ve begun shooting ‘Asmaa’ which is nearly completed and will be released next year. I found that this was a great opportunity to take advantage of the current conditions to present the good quality material I had, seeing I was able to meet the expense.

How long will it be before we start in on 3D movie making in Egypt?
Not long at all. I recently saw an outstanding 3D trial-opening of ‘Alf Leila wa Leila’ prepared by Aroma group. It was only 7 minutes long, but I can with assurance say that it had me pleased as an Egyptian. Although it’s rather time consuming and costly to put in order – I believe its well on its way within the next few years.

You were recently appointed as a judge at the Cairo Film Festival – Did you think that anything was lacking, as regards to the organizing or perhaps the integrity behind deciding on the winners?
Well, first of all we need to settle on the initial purpose of the event. How will this event benefit the industry? The most esteemed International Film festivals support the industry by bringing the producers and film directors together, by providing sponsorship; be it encouragement or financial aid.

How does the Oscar Award Ceremony benefit the industry?
Unlike, the Film Festivals we were initially discussing – which presents new, yet to be seen films, the Oscars celebrate films that have previously been released. The core purpose is money associated, because the significance of an Oscar ultimately increases the value and appeal of the winner.

Wouldn’t you say it’s bizarre that we don’t have an event comparable to the Oscars in the Arab region?
That’s because in the Arab region - no structure of planning, organization or arrangement exist.

You’ve worked with each of Ahmed El Sakka and Ahmed Ezz on one occasion – why is that?
After having both of these actors involved in the films ‘Tito’ and ‘Malaky Eskindrya’ respectively - I became engaged in making ‘Tourbini’ followed by production. Subsequent to ‘Malaky Eskindrya’ I decided to no longer write the unambiguous screenplay with one actor in mind. Significant actors such as these are keen on having the script written exclusively for them and my ultimate desire was to be free of any box office actor-related restrictions.

Tell me your opinion on ‘Zay el Naharda’?
This is a film that was successful in many aspects; as a production with a thriving young cast, who I consider the best in their generation. It also made substantial earnings, and was admired in numerous Film Festivals.

What about ‘Aswa2 el Amar’?
In 2006 I had the original screenplay written. We continued to revise for a further three years and we’ve been filming for an additional 18 months, and we still have ten or twelve days of shooting to go, up until now we are not finished. Truth be told, I’m taken aback to why it’s taking so long…

Did you really donate $10, 000 to the Dubai Film Festival?
No, I didn’t. This is an award for ‘Dubai Film connection’ for the best first time film director (script) that is presented to the director to subsidize and encourage these fresh talents.

Which Country do you mostly enjoy visiting?
London is close to my heart because I lived there for four years…

Describe the following people in a few words;
Sherif Arafa – Practical, inventive artist
Khaled Yousef – Very Intelligent
Enas Dighedi – She is incredibly straight forward
Ahmed Medhat – Creative, highly regarded
Haiyfaa Wahby – Firm favorite
Nicole Saba – Charming
Ruby – She wants to present
May Selim – She has potential

Please complete the following sentences;
I like to listen to; Amr Diab, Mohamed Mounir and few others I like to watch; Lately, I like to watch Ahmed Helmy My favorite program presenters are; Amr Adib and Mona El Shazly

Quotes - You said…
“I will not consider starring in any upcoming films and prefer to remain behind the camera lens”; Right, I said this… I feel much more in my comfort zone behind the camera, and don’t consider my special appearance in ‘3ard Khaas’ as a role. I appeared as myself. I wouldn’t consider it as a livelihood.

Before we wind up, what would you like to say – and who would you say it to?
I’d like to dedicate this to the ‘Media’ in general; we’ve developed into an industry that is fond of making news broadcast through negative, pessimistic proclamations and rumors, believing that this will make headlines. But, I honestly believe that affirmative statements where moral values prevail over any given concern will be just as successful. So my message to the media is to encourage the listeners and viewers by demonstrating a little positive optimism in place of negative, humiliating scandals…

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