Cairo - The Cairo International Film Festival was as much
about politics as it was about cinema, with discussions ranging from
celebrity activism to the historic victory of US president-elect
Barack Obama.
Academy Award winner Susan Sarandon said all films were political,
even those not categorized as such.
A vocal critic of the US invasion of Iraq, Sarandon told reporters
at CIFF, 'I do not think of myself as outspoken, but as someone who
asks questions.'
She used an interesting phrase to describe an activist: 'When you
use your imagination, you develop empathy and when you develop
empathy you become an activist.'
When asked about her impressions of the portrayal of Arabs in
Hollywood films, the 62-year-old said she was against stereotyping
all minorities on screen.
'Lots of people challenge stereotypes. I don't know how we are
portrayed in your cinema. There is a misconception about Arab women
as well as US women. You have enlightened filmmakers and stupid
filmmakers. It is something we have in common,' she told reporters.
But by far the favourite topic at the festival was Obama. When
Sarandon was asked whether his victory would affect Hollywood, the
longtime Democrat and critic of US President George W Bush, said:
'Surely television will be different. Bush made comedy so much
stronger. Obama is not that funny, I hope (Republican vice-
presidential candidate) Sarah Palin stays around a little.'
US actor Goldie Hawn said, 'He is a good man, has a lot of
integrity. We hope this is the answer to create a more peaceful
resolution for the US and the world.'
In fact, Obama was one of the stars at the festival's opening
ceremony late Tuesday, despite not attending. When Egyptian Minister
of Culture Farouk Hosni inaugurated CIFF, he mentioned the man who
will be the US' first African American president.
'New world political amendments are signifying changes and
maturity of international minds, transcending the barrier of colour
and race,' Hosni said.
Sarandon, who received a lifetime achievement award at the opening
ceremony, also spoke of her enthusiasm about Obama. 'This is a
particularly wonderful time for me to be representing the US because
we are experiencing a renewed sense of hope and possibility in the
election of Barack Hussein Obama.'
Sarandon's statement won her a huge round of applause that night,
and the next day she was widely praised for using Obama's Arabic
middle name - a gesture appreciated by several Egyptians.
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