The controversy over the screening of the movie “Friends and Dearest” on the “Netflix” platform is still burning, and it is still the most prominent topic on social networking sites, and the Egyptian parliamentarian, Mostafa Bakri, made an urgent statement once morest the film, accusing the “Netflix” platform, That she “produced a film that sends a message that striking societal values and constants.”
In the latest developments, the Syndicate of Representative Professions in Egypt said, on Monday, that it closely followed all the reactions that appeared in the media, social networking sites, and some opinions from political figures regarding the artwork of the movie “Friends and Dearest”, which I participated in. Starring Egyptian actress Mona Zaki, a member of the Syndicate.
The union added in a statement that it affirms basic principles, the most important of which are:
First – Preserving the freedom of creativity in a civil state that believes in freedom is an essential part of the conscience of Egyptian artists, which is protected and defended by the Syndicate.
Second – that the Syndicate will not stand idly by in front of any verbal assault or attempt to intimidate any Egyptian artist or undermine him as a result of a work of art in which he contributed with its author and director, and the Syndicate will support the artist Mona Zaki in the event that some attempt to take any action of any kind towards the artist, a member guild.
Third – The Syndicate, which is keen on the authentic values of the Egyptian society, stresses that the role of arts and soft powers is to address thorny issues and to sound the alarm on many phenomena that may infiltrate our society. The role of art in general and the role of acting arts in particular.
The statement concluded by saying: “The Syndicate calls upon everyone not to harass the artists of its members just because of their participation in a work that some may agree or disagree on.”
The controversy raised by the Lebanese movie “Friends and Dearest”, which is the first Arab film produced by “Netflix”, and its presentation was launched 4 days ago, with the participation of a large number of artists, most notably Mona Zaki, Iyad Nassar, Nadine Labaki, George Khabbaz and Adel Karam.
The work taken from the Italian movie “Perfect Stranger” caused a major crisis and widespread controversy, and criticism and a great attack by the audience, because of its audacity, scenes and ideas, which some described as shocking.
This prompted some artists to express their opinions freely, even if their opinions would expose them to criticism and attack.