Cairo - British actress Julia Ormond talked like an Egyptian
on Monday at a press conference held in Cairo on the sidelines of the
Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) which kicks off late on
Tuesday.
'Shukran, sabahul khair ya Masr (Thank you, good morning Egypt),'
said Ormond after CIFF president Ezat Abu Ouf presented her to media
professionals attending the conference.
Ormond admitted she knew nothing about the Egyptian and Arab
cinema industry as a whole, adding that her trip to Egypt has been
'illuminating.'
After asking for advice on what movies she should take home with
her, the actress-producer said cinema is the best way for people to
get to know each other.
'In such a modern world, as borders become less, nothing is more
important than people sharing stories. Films can play a vital role in
giving us a better sense of each other,' said the US-based actress.
When asked if she could ever play the role of a Palestinian woman
or an Iraqi who fights for the freedom of her country, Ormond, 43,
replied: 'It depends on the script.'
'I have never approached any project from the perspective that I
would not do it because it is comes from a certain country,' said
Ormond, adding that what is important for her is the 'message of the
film.'
'I would love to take part in such a political movie as Syriana.
But there is a cliche, not just in the US but also in the UK and
other countries, that the foreigner is often given the role of the
baddie,' said Ormond, who is also a UN goodwill ambassador.
In 1995, Ormond was named one of the World's 50 Most Beautiful
People by People magazine. She is known for her roles in Jerry
Zucker's First Knight, Legends of the Fall with Brad Pitt, and Sydney
Pollack's Sabrina with Harrison Ford.
Spain is the guest of honour of the 32nd edition of the CIFF,
where more than 20 films will be screened. Two of these are also in
the international competition, where Chus Gutierrez's Return to
Hansala will be the screened at the opening ceremony.
The 10-day festival, which has a yearly budget of around one
million dollars, will be dedicating special sections to African
cinema, Islam in international cinema as well as films on human
rights.
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