Asmaa

$ 1 Film presentation of the New Century, Film Clinic production. (Worldwide sales: Pacha Pictures, Paris.) Created by Mohamed Hefzy. Directed, compiled by Amr Salama.With: Hend Sabry, Maged El Kedwany, Hany Adel, Ahmed Kamal, Sayed Ragab, Botros Ghali, Fatma Adel.Though Helps may appear old-hat with a, it is good to don't forget that it remains a hot-button subject, and not simply among so-known as third world countries. Amr Salama's sophomore feature, "Asmaa," is pitched like a brave story for that Arab world, but no such reductionism is needed with this fact-based tale of the Aids-positive lady who went public using the disease on the chatshow. Salama has created a solid problem pic, featuring strong perfs along with a superbly emotional finale, that ought to do robust biz both at home and may need current curiosity about Egypt abroad. Greater than a film in regards to a disease, "Asmaa" is really a demand empowerment that ultimately works being an accessible pic for general auds instead of jaded fest types. As a result, it isn't above using fancy mix-cutting and a little of melodramatic frippery to deepen the protag's character and highlight her emotional trajectory, although it creates real energy in moments marked with a rawer clearness. An immediate succession of edits creates a feeling of emergency within the existence of Asmaa (Hend Sabry), a 45-year-old widow coping with father Hosni (Sayed Ragab) and teen daughter Habiba (Fatma Adel). While being wheeled set for gall bladder surgery, she's counseled to help keep mother about some good info, but in the last second she discloses she's Aids-positive, and doctors won't operate. Throughout a support-group meeting, she's contacted with a TV producer who informs her that showing up on the talkshow guarantees national attention and also the sympathy of ethical doctors prepared to perform the easy yet critical procedure. However the host, Mohsen (Maged El Kedwany), does not want another anonymous presence and demands she reveal her face. This becomes Asmaa's real struggle: Go public, despite the fact that Habiba does not know, or remain fearful and at risk of dying from the curable condition which has nothing related to Helps. One factor is for certain: She will not reveal how she contracted herpes. In the beginning, Asmaa is uncertain and timid, scraping together a full time income being an airport terminal janitor and focusing way too much energy on keeping things hidden (she's asymptomatic). It had not been always such as this: In flashbacks to her native village, she's open and independent, winning the admiration of Mosaad (Hany Adel). They are married, but her strong-willed character causes friction within their conservative town, as well as an ensuing tragedy drives her to Cairo, where she's going to keep her scarf-covered mind lower. Helmer Salama (whose playfully ironic segment "The Politician" is really a memorable area of the Venice-preemed docu "Tahrir 2011") moves backwards and forwards over time to complete Asmaa's character and background, underscoring the way in which lack of knowledge breeds fear. Moments within the village have an amount of soapy artificiality that could not interact with Western audiences, however the realism from the present-day packs a difficult punch for those, because of the inevitable swell of support for any pleasant character standing for herself the lady the pic is dependant on wasn't so lucky. "Asmaa" is really a gift for star Sabry, who fully inhabits the contradictions of the lady whose path from passionate and independent youthful bride to tense, cowed widow is marked by satisfying moments of fire. She's also given an opportunity to prove her perfect comic timing, revealing a side all-too-rarely used recently outdoors TV. El Kedwany ("Cairo 678") again proves he's a talent almost from another time, when character stars exuded complexity making devoted auds smile with each screen appearance. Toward the emotional buildup towards the will-she-or-will not-she climax, the editing has difficulty choosing the best rhythm, undercutting the strain with a lot of moments in the past until, just when things appear too extended, Salama finds the best balance and rides it for any superbly affecting payback. Color tones are carefully adjusted to differentiate between time frames, having a golden light suffusing village moments contrasting by having an icier blue in Cairo. Salama acquired the Abu Dhabi fest's Arab helmer award, while El Kedwany required home the actor prize.Camera (color, 16mm-to-35mm), Ahmad Gabr editor, Amr Salah production designer, Hend Haider costume designer, Monia Fath El Bab seem (Dolby Digital), Ahmad Adnan, Gomaa Abdel-Latif line producer, Ahmed Badawy connect producer, Bushra Rozza. Examined at Abu Dhabi Film Festival (competing), March. 17, 2011. (Also working in london Film Festival -- World Cinema.) Running time: 96 MIN. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com