‘Cairo Film Festival looks down on comedy’

Egyptian actor Talaat Zakaria has revealed the secret of his absence from the Cairo International Film Festival after a three year boycott. He revealed to Arabstoday that he was disgruntled by the festival’s administration after they were stingy about sending invitations to him and his fellow comedians. Talaat said in a statement to Arabstoday: "The comedian is seen as a second tier artist.” He went on, “I am surprised that those involved in the festival don’t care about comedy films which generate millions for the movie industry. Why don’t they honour comedy stars like Heneidy, Helmy and Saad?” He added that the festival’s administration only care about films whose revenues don’t exceed £4 million. The Cairo International Film Festival’s organizers were adamant that this year’s event should be held in spite of unrest on the streets of Egypt.