In recently becoming a Senate member, Ahmed Mourad can now advocate for artists and writers' rights while continuing his contributions to Egypt's cultural and literary scene as a prolific writer. Mourad shares his views on legislative reforms to support creative freedom, on balancing his new political role and artistic pursuits, and on the evolution of literature and film in an age of rapid technological advancement.
Moreover, he speaks of his upcoming film about Umm Kulthum, AI's role in writing, and his position on contemporary socio-political issues.
Mourad begins by stressing the urgent need for laws that tangibly protect creative freedom in Egypt.
"Legislators must submit proposals that specifically protect creative freedom and authors' rights in Egypt, including adjusting older laws and reviewing the methods of enforcing them."
Mourad noted that, given the widespread violations of intellectual property rights in Egypt, he intends to give this issue priority during his tenure as a Senate member.
He also insists that there is no conflict between his legislative responsibilities and his creative work.
"I am perfectly capable of separating the two and balancing both my duties as a member of the Senate and my role as novelist through effective time management."
Mourad also believes that a writer must be aware of the mechanisms governing the market and readers' tastes.
"No writer can afford to rule out the market he targets. In fact, understanding readers' evolving mindset is essential. I have to keep pace with the development, growth, and maturity of my readers."
Still, Mourad is far from advocating that writers blindly conform to their readers.
"Writers should introduce new and bold ideas that challenge their readers even if they cause initial discomfort. As a matter of fact, striking a balance between meeting expectations and pushing creative boundaries is essential to me."
Mystery holds a prominent place in Mourad's novels.
"I've always been fascinated by mystery, which is not limited to murder or suspense but can also be about uncovering the hidden and revealing what lies beneath."
He explains how mystery transcends genres.
"Mystery can be woven into romance, comedy, or human relationships. It is not confined to crime."
Mourad highlights the emotional engagement mystery creates, noting that it keeps readers "emotionally and mentally engaged, allowing them to imagine, interpret, and participate in the experience."
Moving on to inspiration, Mourad firmly believes that it exists.
"I absolutely believe in inspiration. It's about noticing what others overlook. A novelist's strength lies in their ability to detach from the real world when needed."
And yet, Mourad observes, many people are conditioned to suppress their imagination in favour of logic. A writer, however, "thrives on limitless thought." For Mourad, "inspiration can strike at any moment, and what matters most is that the mind remains open and alert to possibility."
When adapting his novels to film, Mourad feels that most cinematic adaptations were successful and adequate.
"I write my own screenplays and work with a team that deeply respects the original work."
He particularly praised director Marwan Hamed, who he says, "reveres literary texts."
In addition, Mourad believes he has been lucky to work in cinema alongside Hamed. Despite currently working on projects with other directors, he affirms that he is always open to collaboration with Hamed.
Furthermore, Mourad believes that a writer must be involved in film adaptations of his work.
"The director and the author share the responsibility of preserving the essence of the story."
He puzzles at directors who take the liberty of tampering with the story, stressing that "every adaptation should serve the story and the audience."
On the future of Arabic literature amid technological changes, Mourad describes his experience with AI.
"I was among the first to experiment with AI, especially in image creation."
He views AI as a tool that can assist writers by helping them gather information and sources more efficiently, thus saving time and effort. However, he cautions against overdependence, noting that shifting decision-making from humans to machines could lead to a total loss of control.
"AI is not an oracle, and the more we rely on it, the more we risk becoming slaves to the machine rather than masters."
Mourad's upcoming film El-Sitt, starring Mona Zaki, tells the story of Umm Kulthum.
According to Mourad, he and director Marwan Hamed decided to cast Mona Zaki in the leading role after doing extensive research. He dismissed the views of those who objected to their choice of Zaki, arguing that he "simply focused on doing the work right."
In response to a question about whether he was worried that viewers might compare his film to the Umm Kulthum series, Mourad stated that the series was made 25 years ago and resonated with a specific generation.
"Today, we're addressing a different audience. Many of today's younger generation hardly know anything about Umm Kulthum. The film is our way of reintroducing her to them," he added.
Mourad confesses that he has always admired Umm Kulthum, who he describes "as a star with incredible depth." He insists that her life, music, and influence continue to resonate and that "she remains more relevant than many of today's artists and deserves a film that captures her legend."
Mourad relied on a team of researchers for historical accuracy.
"I have a team of researchers and a cinematic verification unit. I also do my own research extensively. Accuracy is crucial, and I rely on reading and analysis to ensure that."
On the Blue Elephant franchise, Mourad dismissed claims of sequel fatigue.
"If a story is bad, no one asks for a sequel," he notes, adding, "people wanted a third one. I am even ready to write a fourth."
He cites global cinema for precedent: "Some franchises have seven or eight parts. As long as the story is compelling, the audience will stay."
Responding to suggestions that he write about the war in Gaza, Mourad stated that it was too early to do so since we "don't yet have the full picture. We still lack insight into the internal political complexities of Gaza. Writing in the middle of a tragedy can result in incomplete work. I believe the war must end first. Only then can I do justice to the suffering of the Palestinian people through storytelling."
Finally, Mourad reflected on comparisons with Ahmed Khaled Tawfik.
"I don't believe in comparisons. Every writer wants to inspire people to read."
While honouring the legacy of the late Tawfik, "a unique figure," Mourad believes success comes with impact.
"Any author who writes a single book that excites readers has already succeeded. Tawfik had a massive impact and a vast body of work. He deserves the recognition and admiration he receives. He truly was one of a kind."
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