‘Wicked 2,’ Guy Ritchie’s ‘Fountain of Youth,’ Neil Burger’s ‘Inheritance’ Score Big With Egyptian Locations

As a seasoned cinema connoisseur with over three decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that the upcoming slate of films set in Egypt promises to be nothing short of breathtaking. The combination of historical grandeur, modern cityscapes, and Neil Burger’s gritty storytelling in “Inheritance” is a recipe for cinematic success.

As a cinephile, I’m thrilled to share that Egyptian locales will shine brightly in three distinct films slated for release next year. Each of these movies promises a unique experience!

In contrast to blockbusters “Wicked Part Two” and “Fountain of Youth,” directed by Guy Ritchie, which leverage the nation’s historical wealth and otherworldly landscapes, Neil Burger will capture the frenetic energy of contemporary Cairo in his gripping espionage thriller “Inheritance.” This film is scheduled for release on January 24.

Collectively, these significant films mark an exceptional year for a relatively new commission established in 2019. The Egypt Film Commission, a branch of the Egyptian Media Production City (EMPC), now functions as a central hub and exclusive entry point for international film projects seeking shooting permits and approvals. It acts as a coordinator and intermediary with various state ministries while recommending local service providers to cater to all production requirements.

Starting from 2019, the commission has aided 55 international film projects, some of which have been eligible for a 30% refund on cash expenses when utilizing EMPC’s venues and resources.

In late 2023, the commission extended a warm welcome to the team behind “Wicked Part Two,” facilitating the creation of Universal’s blockbuster sequel, “Oz,” within the stunning White Desert National Park in Egypt. Over the span of ten days, this extraordinary location was transformed into the Land of Oz. Fast forward six months, and the same commission made the Giza Plateau an energetic playground for the filming of “Fountain of Youth,” a production by Skydance and Apple.

During the last two weeks of July, the famous Great Pyramid and enigmatic Sphinx welcomed contemporary tools and helicopters from the local Defense Ministry for the very first time, right within their own premises.

According to Location Managers Guild International president John Rakich, a friend of his worked on a Guy Richie production and couldn’t stop praising the smoothness of filming for two weeks in front of the pyramids. They were coordinating explosions, helicopters, and other large-scale actions that are not commonly performed here.

Rakich is now providing guidance, passing along his institutional knowledge, while the local commission aims to strengthen its position within the global marketplace. This year’s Cairo Film Festival saw Rakich, a production expert, visit numerous locations as part of an intense travel itinerary.

“For the longest time, people were going to Morocco to shoot fake pyramids,” says Rakich. “Now, there’s a big push to get people to come back to Egypt. So we’re here to take a look, to see what’s around to and see how we can help.”

And as part of his advisory duties, Rakich suggest a simple outreach campaign.

He claims, ‘This is the authentic Egypt.’ Now, film crews can authentically capture antiquity with the assistance of a cooperative partner, eliminating the need to fabricate scenes off-site. It’s not about relocating entire productions here, but if you require specific shots, this place is accessible. You don’t have to be a blockbuster like ‘Transformers,’ and you don’t necessarily need a large budget. Even with a moderate budget, you can capture genuine scenes here.

He chuckles, commenting on their advertising campaign. “All they need,” he suggests, “is an image of the pyramids accompanied by the caption, ‘We’ve got this.’ I advised them to emphasize their strong points. If it’s good, even Hollywood will take notice.

To create “Inheritance,” director Neil Burger desired a grittier, edgier feel that would perfectly capture the tense and paranoid atmosphere of a suspenseful story about a woman’s mental decline during an international journey.

He shared with EbMaster that the movie travels from New York to Cairo, then to New Delhi, and finally to Seoul. His aim was to observe the current situation in each of these locations. The concept was simply to move about on the streets and let everyday life envelop us, working with a covert team to achieve a raw, live-action feel for the film.

Over a span of two weeks, directing throughout Cairo seemed like a surreal experience to the director based in New York.

He gleams, stating, ‘[Regarding accessibility], we had it all.’ We filmed in markets, at airports, at the pyramids, wherever our hearts desired – even outside the U.S. Embassy. It provided a sense of urgency and the genuine excitement that accompanies such freedom.

He smiles, admitting, ‘I’m a big fan of New York.’ However, it should be noted that Cairo, with its unparalleled vitality and electrifying dynamism, truly embodies the ‘city that never sleeps.’ I was merely attempting to immortalize this incredible energy through my camera lens.

2024-11-19 00:17

‘Wicked 2,’ Guy Ritchie’s ‘Fountain of Youth,’ Neil Burger’s ‘Inheritance’ Score Big With Egyptian Locations

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