Over the past few days, actress Mona Zaki has received global acclaim through her speech to women after screening "Flight 404" during the awards season hosted by Hollywood Arab Film Association.
During her speech, Zaki confirmed that women have numerous good tales as their lives are full of interesting stories that include conflicts. On her part, the Egyptian actress noted, “I'm so proud of screening 'Flight 404' in Hollywood, which has always been linked to my childhood memories when I met iconic stars during my visits. Some years later, the dream came true and I became one of the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame".
Zaki added, "I'm keen to address women, not only because I'm one of them, but also because women crises weave out-of-the-box stories that are often unbelievable, due to the intensity of conflicts and confrontations. The matter is not limited to Arab societies. Generally-speaking, women face challenges on many levels. Their experiences reveal several journeys they go through, just like 'Ghada'; the heroine of 'Flight 404'".
On his part, director Hani Khalifa commented on the event, saying: "For the first time, I was so lucky to be in the world's film industry city; Hollywood, through a film that is regarded as a special experience in my career. In fact, the feedback of the audience after screening the film exceeded my expectations, especially since the film's theme is so special and arises our passion in Arab societies. However, it may not receive the same feedback abroad, confirming that we succeeded in making a film that addresses minds and raises questions".
It is noteworthy that "Flight 404" represents Egypt in the international Oscar competition. Besides, it took part in festivals and received multiple awards, including: Special Jury Award for director Hani Khalifa at the 13th Luxor African Film Festival, the Best Actress Award for Mona Zaki, and the Best Egyptian Film Award at the 8th Aswan International Women's Film Festival. It was also the opening film of the third Hollywood Arab Film Festival. Additionally, it was screened out of competition at the 24th Rotterdam Arab Film Festival.
"Flight 404" has set many records, for it received a rating of 7.9 out of 10 on IMDB; one of the most prominent sites specialised in cinema and films across the world, through the viewpoints of audiences from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, America and the UK. Moreover, it received a rating of 3.6 out of 5 on LetterBoxd; a website moderated by film fans in New Zealand. A large number of audiences published positive comments on the previously-mentioned website. The film also received critical acclaim from critics in the countries where it has been screened so far.
"Flight 404" stars Mona Zaki, along with a large number of stars and guests of honor; Mohamed Farrag, Mohamed Mamdouh, Shereen Reda, Khaled El-Sawi, Mohamed Alaa, Hassan Al-Adl, Sama Ibrahim, Shadi Alfons, Rana Rais, Gihan El-Shamashergy, Arfa Abdel Rassoul, and Noura Shaeshaa. It is written by Mohamed Ragaa, directed by Hani Khalifa, and produced by Mohamed Hefzy and Shahinaz Al-Akkad, through their Film Clinic and Lagoonie Film Production in co-production with KSA's Arabia Pictures Entertainment Group and Hi Media Production. The film is distributed by Misr International Films inside Egypt and Front Row Filmed Entertainment outside Egypt.
The film tells the story of “Ghada” who faces an emergency a few days before heading to Mecca for Hajj. She is forced to come up with a large sum of money. During this journey, “Ghada” goes through a series of events that highlight her tainted past.
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