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Ameer Al-Zalaam
Ameer Al-Zalaam
	Theatrical release poster
Arabic	أمير الظلام
Directed by	Rami Imam
Written by	Hamdi Youssef (story); Tamer Abdel Moneim (screenplay and dialogue); Abdel Fattah El-Beltagy (screenplay and dialogue);
Starring	Adel Emam; Sherine Saif al-Nasr; Youssef Dawoud; Khaled Sarhan;
Music by	Khaled Hammad
Release date	22 June 2002;
Country	Egypt

Ameer Al-Zalaam or Ameer Al-Thalaam (Egyptian Arabic: أمير الظلام, lit. 'Prince of Darkness') an Egyptian film that debuted on 22 June 2002,^[1] shines a light on the resilience and strength of the human spirit amidst adversity. Directed by Ramy Imam, the movie features a cast that includes Adel Emam, Sherine Saif al-Nasr, and Youssef Dawoud.^[2] Distributed by Al Arabia Cinema Production & Distribution, the film achieved notable success in the Egyptian market.^[3] The Egyptian Air Force assisted the crew in several scenes.^[4] Some critics said that the movie's idea was taken from Scent of a Woman (1992).^[5]

At its core, Ameer Al-Zalaam unfolds the gripping tale of Saeed Al-Masry (Arabic: سعيد المصري) (portrayed by Adel Emam), a former pilot haunted by the scars of the October War. Blinded by the trauma of his past, Saeed finds himself confined to a home for the visually impaired, where bureaucratic oppression reigns supreme. Refusing to succumb to the limitations imposed upon him, Saeed embarks on a transformative journey, igniting a spark of hope within the confines of his seemingly bleak reality. His quest for freedom and redemption paves the way for an inspiring narrative that transcends physical boundaries and celebrates the power of human connection.^[6]

Amidst the darkness that pervades Saeed's world, rays of light emerge in the form of newfound relationships and unexpected allies. Encountering Alia (played by Sherine Saif Al-Nasr), a compassionate artist with whom he shares a profound connection, Saeed discovers solace amidst the chaos. Together, they navigate the tumultuous waters of love and courage, confronting external threats and inner demons alike.

Plot

The narrative of the film centers around Saeed Al-Masry (Adel Emam), a valiant pilot who served during the October 1973 war. Tragically, his sight is taken from him when his aircraft is engulfed in flames during combat. As a consequence, he finds himself confined to a residence for the visually impaired, overseen by a domineering figure who transforms the sanctuary into a stifling prison (Youssef Dawoud). Despite the oppressive atmosphere, Saeed staunchly refuses to yield to his perceived limitations. Instead, he embarks on a mission to impart newfound perspectives to his fellow residents, delving into the intricacies of color and the essence of freedom.

Within the confines of this unlikely community, bonds of familial love flourish, uniting Saeed and his peers in a shared journey of discovery and resilience. Amidst this backdrop, fate leads Saeed to Alia (Sherine Saif al-Nasr), a talented visual artist whose empathy resonates deeply with him. Their chance encounter at a local disco sparks the beginning of an emotional connection, as Saeed finds solace in confiding his story to Alia, who offers unwavering support.

However, tranquility is shattered when a ruthless terrorist faction descends upon the residence, wreaking havoc and devastation. In a harrowing turn of events, lives are lost, and the sanctity of the home is violated as the terrorists pillage its resources. With the threat escalating to a potential attack on a presidential convoy, Saeed finds himself thrust into a dire situation. Returning to the scene of chaos, he confronts the grim reality of his fallen comrades and springs into action to thwart the impending catastrophe, ultimately emerging as a beacon of hope in the face of darkness.^[6]