A New Perspective on Oum Kalthoum's Life and Work
Whether you're an unconditional fan of Oum Kalthoum or have different musical tastes, you'll never look at her work the same way after watching this film.
The Star of the East
Known as the Star of the East or the Fourth Pyramid, Oum Kalthoum is undoubtedly the most famous singer in the Arab world. Her songs have captivated generations, and her tumultuous life continues to inspire filmmakers. Fifty years after her death, an Egyptian film is currently showing in theaters: "El Sett," starring Mona Zaki in the lead role.
Controversy Surrounding the Film's Release
Since December 11, cinephiles and music lovers have been able to discover the new biopic. The screenplay was written by Ahmad Mourad, known for his novel "Al Fil Al Azrak" (The Blue Elephant), which sold over a million copies and was successfully adapted into a film. The director, Marwan Hamed, is behind the famous film "Imarat Yaakoubian" (The Yacoubian Building) and has collaborated with Ahmad Mourad on several successful films. Given the high level of talent involved and the respect and passion for Oum Kalthoum, one would expect a rare and highly anticipated artistic product.
However, the film was contested and even ridiculed from the announcement of its production. Two main reasons were at the center of this controversy. Firstly, a TV series had already told the story of Oum Kalthoum's life and artistic career, from her beginnings in a conservative environment to her rise to fame. The series, which aired in 1999, starred the great actress Sabrine and received widespread acclaim from the public and critics. Many wondered what a 2-hour film could bring that was new and different from the 30-episode series.
The main reason for opposition to the film was the choice of Mona Zaki for the lead role. The star had already played the role of Souad Hosni in a heavily criticized series, and her performance was deemed unconvincing and disappointing by many. Additionally, Mona Zaki had recently experienced a decline in popularity and faced backlash for her role in the film "On se connaît.. ou pas" (Ashab.. wella aazz). It was difficult to imagine her playing the role of a woman as strict and rigorous as Oum Kalthoum, with whom she shared no physical resemblance or common traits.
A Life Marked by Trials and Tribulations
The film opens with a documentary-style voiceover recounting the war in Egypt in 1967, while Oum Kalthoum's legendary concert at the Olympia in Paris is taking place. The success is immense, with fans from all over the world in attendance, including high-ranking diplomats and even the King of Jordan. Mona Zaki appears on stage, made up and transformed by special effects to resemble the singer she portrays. An enthusiastic fan approaches her, causing her to fall on stage, and the hall descends into chaos. As the star lies on the ground, she sees her youth flash before her eyes, from her childhood as a sheikh's daughter in a remote village to becoming the most popular artist of her time.
The film alternates between flashbacks and present-day scenes, showing Oum Kalthoum in the autumn of her life. It's not just a simple story of rise to fame; the film naturally weaves together political and musical paradigms while delving into the intimacy of the character. Oum Kalthoum was a diva, but above all, a sensitive, fragile, strong, and determined woman, with a combination of oxymoronic traits that make her story unique.
When she sang about passion, it seemed like she had everything: money, glory. Yet, her heart was broken more than once, and she was condemned to solitude and illness for a long time. This explains the choice of Mona Zaki for the role, as the film aimed to show Oum Kalthoum's femininity and natural charm, which captivated those around her with her intelligence and sense of humor.
A Moving and Impressive Film
To pay tribute to "El Sett," the film had to be on par with the artist, meaning grandiose and innovative. The director reconstructed each decade of Oum Kalthoum's life, from the 1920s onwards. Concerts, ballets, train stations, and royal palaces were all meticulously recreated with attention to detail, including external sets, costumes, hairstyles, and period furniture. Some scenes could have been simply mentioned, but the filmmakers chose to bring them to life, despite the enormous budget and complexity of the work.
The film's authenticity is captivating, with a mix of color and black-and-white scenes. To further seduce the audience, secondary roles were assigned to confirmed stars, including Sayed Ragab, Mohamad Farrag, Amina Khalil, Karim Abdelaziz, Nelly Karim, and even comedian Ahmad Helmy in a humorous performance. However, the soundtrack could have been more suitable if it had been more oriental, as some scenes feel rushed rather than emphasizing the dramatic intensity of the moments.
In this 160-minute film, the goal was not to create a documentary portrait of the timeless artist. Instead, the creators focused on showcasing her sensitivity as a woman who sacrificed so much and rose from her falls, both literal and figurative. One thing is certain: whether you're an unconditional fan of Oum Kalthoum or have different musical tastes, you'll never look at her work the same way after watching this film. Her songs will never have the same impact, and she will seem closer to us thanks to the intimate bond that this biopic has created.
