'The crew' crisis prevails in Sharm El-Sheikh Festival

CAIRO - 4 March 2019: A crisis is still dominating Sharm El-Sheikh Asian Film Festival after the makers of the film "The crew" filed a lawsuit against the festival’s management post the screening of their film.

“As the artistic director of Sharm El-Sheikh Asian Film Festival, I was very excited about the film and agreed with the filmmakers to present it at the opening of the festival, because I am convinced that a documentary about the Egyptian film industry is the best celebration of the festival, cinema in Egypt and the general taste,” said Mohamed Abdel Rahim.

“Indeed, the filmmakers agreed to screen it at the festival’s opening, welcoming the idea. The filmmakers asked to meet with the festival's management to thank them for their decision,” continued Abdel Rahim.

“Because of the numerous events of the opening ceremony, the festival’s management decided to screen the film in the largest showroom, in terms of sound and image, and at the best time with a large audience so that it can be seen by everyone who wants to enjoy this enriching film,” Abdel Rahim stressed.

“However, the director of the film decided to leave the festival, despite all the welcoming he received, and after the technical office's approval of some of his demands and the rejection of other impossible and unprofessional demands,” declared Abdel Rahim.

“According to the festival’s regulations, which are not very different from the regulations of all international festivals, 'The crew' was presented on time in the presence of its film director Tamer al-Husseini and Mahmoud Samir.”

According to Abdel Rahim, the festival's management did not deprive the festival’s guests from enjoying the film and also made 'The crew' makers watch their film among the audience.