After facing a series of objections by the Egyptian Censorship Committee, the cast and crew of the new movie "ThaTha Raees Al Jomhoria" (Thatha President of the Republic), starring Egyptian comedian-actor Hani Ramzi, have begun filming.

The film revolves around the Egyptian presidential elections.  The Committee objected to the title and the use of a donkey as the symbol for Thatha’s electoral campaign.

The Committee stipulated that the film not depict the elections as Egyptian, but instead from a fictitious country.

According to the London based Elaph, the film's writer stated that all requested alterations have been made, and the country portrayed will not imply Egypt in any way.

Previously, the ‘Culture Committee’ in the Egyptian Parliament eliminated three scenes from the film “Abu Al Arabi,” starring Hani and Muna Shalabi. This was the first time the Committee decided to directly intervene in the production of a film.  Committee members, from the same city (Bor Saeed) where the film takes place, objected to the scenes on the grounds they were insulting.

The members viewed the film in the presence of Hani and producer Kamel Abu Ali before making their decision.

 
© 2006 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)