Egyptian filmmaker Mark Lotfy and Swedish director Axel Petersén examined the late legendary star Omar Sharif’s career and how the politics of 1950s Egypt shaped his complex character.
The new documentary, “The Life and Times of Omar Sharif”, delves into how the policies of Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser and the political climate of the time led him to change his name and convert to Islam, and later to become an international actor.
The actor's life and career are described as a dramatic balancing act, set on an East-West axis, illustrated by the hundreds of characters he played, on and off-screen, in the changing political landscapes of Hollywood and the Middle East.
Sharif, born Michel Demitri Shalhoub in Alexandria, was born on April 10, 1932. He is known for starring in international movies such as "Doctor Zhivago", "The Funny Girl", and "Lawrence of Arabia".
The late actor was nominated for an Academy Award and also won three Golden Globe Awards and a Caesar Award.
Sharif converted to Islam when he married Egyptian actress Faten Hamama in 1955 after a great love story that is considered one of the greatest love stories in the history of Egyptian cinema.
They welcomed a boy, Tarek Sharif, who starred in Doctor Zhivago as Yuri at the age of eight. The pair porced in 1974 and Sharif never remarried.
However, there were romance rumors circulated about the actor and Ingrid Bergman, but these rumors were never confirmed or denied.
The filmmakers are close to completing the movie and have a finished rough cut. The documentary will also showcase the actor's film career, including his most memorable works such as “Lawrence of Arabia,” “Doctor Zhivago,” “Funny Girl”, and “Monsieur Ibrahim”.
It will also feature archival material including interviews shot in Egypt, Stockholm, and Berlin, among them scenes with Sharif’s son.
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