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The Agenda and I: Egyptian revolution film by Neveen Shalaby
Neveen Shalaby - Egyptian filmmaker and producer of The Agenda and I
by Joseph Earnest August 19, 2011
Newscast Media CAIRO, Egypt -- The recently released documentary The Agenda and I, is the work of a TV reporter and filmmaker Neveen Shalaby, who is based in Cairo, Egypt, that captures some of the most outstanding scenes of the Egyptian Revolution that took place this year. Neveen was one of the demonstrators who also had her camera with her and documented The Revolution as it happened in real time. Click here to see photos of The Revolution>>
I had a chance to interview my friend, the fast-talking filmmaker, about her documentary and what inspired her to not only be a part of history, but to also write it. The movie is actually called "The Agenda and Me" however, I made a mistake and said "The Agenda and I" so she just went along with the new name and substituted the "Me" for "I" out of politeness and courtesy. Below is the trailer of The Agenda and I:
The Agenda and I - Videography and production by Neveen Shalaby
As the world watched the revolution unfold, some Egyptians were able to share with broadcast networks their videos that showed what was transpiring behind-the-scenes, and that's how the West and the rest of the world got a glimpse into the historic event as Egyptians descended upon Tahrir Square.
Newscast Media: Neveen is the producer of The Agenda and I. How did you come up with the name and what is the meaning behind it?
Neveen: The agenda is one of the most famous expressions that the politicians and media used to say during our revolution on TV and in newspapers, and it was a really new expression for us, which made me search to know what they meant, and I used "I" in the title of the movie because I was not only the director of the movie I was also one of the demonstrators within the revolution and when you watch the movie, you will hear my voice a lot. In my movie I found that by "Agenda" they meant that we started our revolution because of foreign agendas, sometimes they said it was from USA and other times from Iran or Israel.
Newscast Media: During the revolution, at some point it became dangerous to be on the streets, yet Egyptians continued to flock Freedom Square. What motivated you to continue your struggle?
Neveen: The blood of the martyrs gave me the power to stay until the end.
Newscast Media: Why did Egyptians choose to rise up against Mubarak this year, yet for decades, you seemed to tolerate him?
Neveen: As in all revolutions, there is accumulation during years, maybe it could be 30 years, and there are sparking events of The Revolution like Khaild Said's murder.
Newscast Media: Did the Tunisia revolution have anything to do with motivating Egyptians?
Neveen: Sure, it gave us hope that it could be happen, that the president (Mubarak) could leave.
Newscast Media: The government shut down social media and phone services, how were you able to communicate and keep the Revolution alive?
Neveen: It was one of the main reasons we had large numbers on the streets because we felt afraid to each other, so we went to the streets with big numbers ... thanks to them for doing that... and that day we called it "Friday of Rage" and it was a big and different day for the Revolution when Mubarak read the first letter to the public.
Newscast Media: There is a group called "Anonymous" that some say played a role, is that true?
Neveen: I didn't know anything about that group until only a few days ago during the Syrian revolution, not in our revolution.
Newscast Media: What are your thoughts about what is happening in Libya, Syria, Israel and London, which are now experiencing chaos?
Neveen: I don't think it's chaos, it is the normal changing world. People changed and the government can't understand what is going on. With the high technology in communications, nothing is a secret, that's what is making people change, and they will never accept what they accepted before.
Newscast Media: Do you think this will spread to sub-Saharan Africa?
Neveen: I didn't think so until now.
Newscast Media: Mubarak was recently in court and was caged. How did Egyptians react to that whole courtroom scene.
Neveen: Oh, it was a great day for us , most of us couldn't believe what we watched on TV. I was so happy and I cried from the happiness when I saw him in court and listened when the Judge called him "accused Mubarak answer him," yes, we made this as a ring-tone to our mobiles to feel happiness all over the day.
Newscast Media: What is the main message of The Agenda and I and how many people are involved...what roles do they play?
Neveen: Discover the real agenda behind the Egyptian revolution. It's a documentary film and I did every thing in the movie. I interviewed more than 25 people in the movie with four main characters.
Newscast Media: How long have you been a filmmaker, and are there any other projects you have worked on?
Neveen: About 6 years, now I'm editing part two of the movie "The Agenda and Me Tunisia"... which I filmed in Tunis. Also I will start my first long fiction film next October.
Newscast Media: What is your educational background, and at what age did you realize you wanted to make films?
Neveen: I have a Bachelor of Arts History from Cairo university. I then got a directing diploma from Cinema Academy in Cairo and did a lot of workshops in filmmaking during the festivals which I joined, like Berlin Talent Campus in Berlin. In 2008 and 2009 I realized I wanted to make films when I was at school, but my family refused me to study cinema, but I did when I finished my faculty studying.
Newscast Media: Lastly, what is your message to the world? Is there any misconception about Egypt or Egyptians you want to correct?
Neveen: There is a lot I'm trying to change, and my message to world is, let's try to understand each other, and we will never fight again.
Related article: Neveen Shalaby Examines Mubarak Conspiracy Theories.
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