Mostafa Shaban to Play Ibrahim Al-Rifai in Big Screen Comeback "39 Combat"

Egyptian actor Mostafa Shaban is making his long-awaited return to the big screen with a high-profile project after a sixteen-year break

He made his last onscreen appearance in the 2010 film “Al Watar”, which featured a starry cast that included Sawsan Badr, Ghada Adel, Arwa Gouda, Arwa Gouda, and Ahmed L Saadany.

It hailed from scriptwriter Mohamed Nayer and director Magdy El Hawary.

Shaban will return to the big screen with the historical biopic "39 Combat".

Directed by Hosni Saleh, the film narrates the life of martyr Brigadier General Ibrahim Al-Rifai, known as the Lion of the Paratroopers, one of the most prominent heroes of the Egyptian armed forces, who left a significant mark in the history of the Egyptian army.

It also highlights Rifai's heroics and achievements during critical phases in the history of the Egyptian armed forces, providing the audience with a distinctive historical tale.

In the biopic, Shaban embodies the Egyptian army legend in a cinematic experience that combines heroism, nationalism, and history, making it a significant milestone in his artistic journey after a long hiatus from the big screen.

Brigadier General Ibrahim al-Rifai was the Commander of the 39th Special Operations Force in the October 1973 war. 

He carried out 72 suicide operations behind enemy lines between 1967 and 1973 before martyring in the October war.

The film also boasts a cast that includes Mohamed Riyad, Ahmed El-Tahamy, Mohamed Mamdouh, Mohamed Abdel-Moghni, Shady Maqar, and Kamal Abou Riya.

"39 Combat" witnesses a strong return for Shaban to cinema and serves as a national message reflecting Egypt's heroic history. It is expected to receive widespread acclaim from the audience and have a positive impact on national awareness.