Turki al-Sheikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, has announced that Mona Zaki, an Egyptian actress, has been chosen to portray the legendary music icon Umm Kulthum in an upcoming biopic film titled “Al-Sitt” (The Lady). Renowned Egyptian director Marwan Hamed will direct the movie.
Zaki is no stranger to playing historical roles, having previously starred in the 2007 film “Asmaa”, where she played the character of the Egyptian singer Asmahan.
The legendary Umm Kulthum was born to a humble family in a rural village called Tamay al-Zahayra in Senbellawein, Dakahlia Governorate. Her real name is Fatima, and her birth date remains uncertain to this day.
Her father was a vocalist who earned their livelihood by singing at the village’s wedding parties. The infamous singer began learning singing from him at an early age and started performing with him at the age of twelve at weddings, which marked the beginning of her artistic career before she moved to Cairo.
Her death in 1975 was a significant loss, and millions of people mourned her passing. Umm Kulthum’s influence among Arab singers is immeasurable and extends far beyond it, as noted by Rolling Stones magazine.
The “Big Time” Fund, dedicated to improving the quality of Arabic content in film production, distribution, and industry, will financially support the film.
Moreover, Al-Sheikh revealed a list of 15 films that will receive support from the Fund. Among them is “Shughl Cairo”, in which Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram will make her debut as an actress.
Egyptian actor Karim Abdel Aziz will also be part of the cast. Other films that will receive funding from the “Big Time” include “Awlad Rizq 3”, “Saidi Fi Al-Jamia Al-Amrikiya 2”, and “Al-Film Al-Azraq 3”.
