'Asad' Renews Collaboration between Amr Al Qadi & Director Mohamed Diab After 'Moon Knight'

Following their collaboration on “Moon Knight”, actor Amr Al-Qadi is working with director Mohamed Diab in “Asad”. 

For him, it’s a challenge to portray the character of “the master of slave traders” in the film scheduled for release in Egyptian cinemas as of May 14 and in the Arab world as of May 21.

In “Asad”, Al-Qadi embodies the character of Jaafar, the master of slave traders who tries to prevent the slave revolt, which is led by the central character; Asad. This revolt threatens his business, wealth and power.

As for his participation in “Asad”, Al-Qadi mentioned that it is not the first time he has participated in historical works. 

However, the character of the master of slave traders was a true challenge for him; he trades in human beings and has complex personal traits that combine cruelty, strictness, cunning and prestige. 

Additionally, he claims to be moral and religious; he speaks as if he takes into account the rules of religion in dealing with slaves. Indeed, what he does is against any doctrine or humanitarian principles.

Al-Qadi stated that taking part in “Asad” required doing research on the historical period in which the film is set; the 19th century, particularly the slave trade, the profession of the master of slave traders, and the way they dealt with the Khedive's decision to abolish slavery, which poses a direct threat to their authority. 

There was also a training that focused on body language and vocal tone to highlight the character’s traits and contradiction between the religious appearance and violent behavior. 

Furthermore, there are action and fight scenes which shed light on the cruelty and ferocity illustrated by the master of slave traders in dealing with slaves and rebels. A training was conducted by Bulgarian stunt coordinator Kaloian Vodenicharov.

Al-Qadi highlighted the character’s overall appearance; clothing and accessories. They were so special as they combine a masculine character with the exaggeration reflecting extravagance and vanity.

Moreover, he said that working with director Diab is a great addition to any artist; he has a special directing vision and an ability to delve into the details of characters. 

This is what helped him in portraying the character of “the master of slave traders”, especially since he provides a space for experimentation, alongside his guidance.

Set in the shadows of 19th-Century Egypt, the saga of “Asad” unfolds—a slave carrying a hardened defiance deep within his soul. 

This historical drama focuses on Asad's journey when a forbidden and secret love blossoms between him and a free woman, effectively declaring war on the entire system of power. 

However, when Asad is robbed of the dearest thing he owns, his silent defiance transforms into a furious revolt. It is a heroic struggle where no one's survival is guaranteed. 

The battle of Asad does not only determine his fate, but also the fate of slavery in the country.

The film stars Mohamed Ramadan, Razane Jammal, Ali Qassem, Kamel El-Basha, Islam Mubarak, Eman Youssef, and Mustafa Shehata, alongside special appearances by Maged El-Kidwani and Ahmed Dash.

It is noteworthy that “Asad” is directed by Mohamed Diab, and written by Sherine Diab, Mohamed Diab, and Khaled Diab. 

The film’s music is composed by Hisham Nazih. The director of photography is Ahmed El-Bashary, editor is Ahmed Hafez, and costume designer is Reem El-Adl. 

Furthermore, the set design is done by Ahmed Fayez, sound engineering by Ahmed Adnan, production design by Maged Youssef, and fight and action choreography by Kaloian Vodenicharov. 

The film is produced by Mussa Abu Taleb. It is also produced by Goodfellas Media Production, Scoop Production, Fillme Production, and BigTime Fund. It is distributed by AFD in Egypt and Empire Entertainment in the Middle East.