Amr Salama’s short film 60 Egyptian Pounds received its first international showing at the Friborg International Film Festival (March 15th – 25th).
“60 Egyptian Pounds” is about an aspiring rapper, Ziad, and his family, all victims of an abusive father. Ziad takes refuge in music and writing song lyrics. When the situation at home becomes unbearable he decides to end his family’s suffering. Amr Salama based much of his scenario on a song by the rapper Ziad Zaza, who plays himself in the film.
Previewed at the El Gouna Film Festival, the film made history as the first short film to open an Arab film festival.
Amr Salama is Saudi-born director now based in Egypt. He made his first short, Zay El Naharda, in 2008. His subsequent projects, Excuse My French and Asmaa, have been broadcast and won awards at several festivals.
Sources: Broadcast Pro, El Gouna Film Festival
