Karim Shaaban and Salma Abu Deif Recall Devastating Moments That Inspired Latest Movie

Last night, Cairo’s cinematic community gathered for the Egyptian premiere of ‘I Don’t Care If the World Collapses’, a poignant short film by director Karim Shaaban, marking its homecoming after acclaimed screenings at the 48th Cleveland International Film Festival and Palm Springs Short Fest in 2024. Starring Salma Abu Deif, the film delves into the high-pressure world of commercial filmmaking, exposing the moral conflicts that arise when personal tragedies collide with professional demands. Through its incisive narrative and powerful performances, the film offers a profound critique of an industry that often prioritizes deadlines over humanity, earning praise for its stunning visual style.

The story follows Loubna, portrayed with remarkable nuance by Salma Abu Deif, a line producer tasked with managing a one-day commercial shoot for an ice cream brand. Arriving on set with her coffee and a meticulous plan, Loubna ensures every detail aligns for a smooth production. She shares a warm exchange with the lead actor, Farouk (Emad Rashad), an elderly newcomer whose enthusiasm for his role under director Magdi (Ameer Salah Eldin) is infectious.

The shoot progresses seamlessly until Farouk receives a devastating phone call informing him of a loved one’s sudden death. Determined to leave and be with his family, Farouk’s decision sparks tension with the production manager, Tarek (Emad El Tayeb), who warns of a 10-million-pound penalty if the commercial isn’t delivered on time. For Tarek, halting the shoot is unthinkable; for Farouk, continuing feels like a betrayal of his grief. Caught in the crossfire, Loubna grapples with her responsibility to keep the production on track while wrestling with the instinct to honor Farouk’s need to mourn.

The film’s emotional core draws from the real-life experiences of Shaaban and Abu Deif, who have both witnessed the film industry’s unrelenting pace firsthand. Shaaban, a seasoned commercials director, recalls a moment that inspired the film: “I lost a loved one while I was shooting an ad, but I couldn’t leave the set. I couldn’t even tell others about it because the commercial was filled with positive vibes and happy moments, and I didn’t want to affect the atmosphere. However, I felt that that moment should be made into a movie and that world should be explored for the pressures we endure while working in it, not just the crew, but also the actors.” This personal tragedy fuels the film’s exploration of the “Faustian deal” with capitalism, where financial imperatives often overshadow human connection.

Similarly, Abu Deif shares a chilling memory that echoes the film’s themes. “One time, we lost someone while shooting a project,” she recounts. “He was hospitalized and then died. I asked them if we were going to pause filming. They didn’t even stop for an hour. It was shocking to me that if something happened to any of us, nothing would stop, and they’d continue filming the project.” Her performance as Loubna is imbued with this lived experience, bringing authenticity to a character torn between duty and compassion.

Shaaban’s decision to cast Abu Deif was inspired, as her warmth and emotional depth make Loubna’s journey, from professional resolve to empathetic persuasion, deeply compelling. This casting choice reflects Shaaban’s knack for spotting talent, evident in his earlier work like ‘Nightshift’, which introduced Essam Omar before his breakout in ‘Lap Coat’. Abu Deif, whose range was evident before her stardom in ‘Highest Viewing Rate’, proves a perfect fit for a role that demands both strength and sensitivity.

With its evocative cinematography and deliberate camera work, ‘I Don’t Care If the World Collapses’ captures the frenetic energy of a film set while exposing its human cost. The ensemble, including Rashad’s heartfelt portrayal of Farouk and Salah Eldin’s intense performance as Magdi, delivers a narrative that avoids easy judgments, instead inviting viewers to ponder the price of empathy in a system driven by profit. Released on YouTube on July 1st, this 20-minute drama resonates long after its final frame, cementing Shaaban’s reputation as a filmmaker who unearths both talent and truth.

Karim Shaaban’s short film ‘I Don't Care if the World Collapses’ releases on YouTube on July 1.