Julia Ormond talks like an Egyptian in Cairo

Nov 17, 2008, 17:03 GMT

Cairo - British actress Julia Ormond talked like an Egyptian on Monday at a press conference held in Cairo on the sidelines of the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) which kicks off late on Tuesday.

'Shukran, sabahul khair ya Masr (Thank you, good morning Egypt),' said Ormond after CIFF president Ezat Abu Ouf presented her to media professionals attending the conference.

Ormond admitted she knew nothing about the Egyptian and Arab cinema industry as a whole, adding that her trip to Egypt has been 'illuminating.'

After asking for advice on what movies she should take home with her, the actress-producer said cinema is the best way for people to get to know each other.

'In such a modern world, as borders become less, nothing is more important than people sharing stories. Films can play a vital role in giving us a better sense of each other,' said the US-based actress.

When asked if she could ever play the role of a Palestinian woman or an Iraqi who fights for the freedom of her country, Ormond, 43, replied: 'It depends on the script.'

'I have never approached any project from the perspective that I would not do it because it is comes from a certain country,' said Ormond, adding that what is important for her is the 'message of the film.'

'I would love to take part in such a political movie as Syriana. But there is a cliche, not just in the US but also in the UK and other countries, that the foreigner is often given the role of the baddie,' said Ormond, who is also a UN goodwill ambassador.

In 1995, Ormond was named one of the World's 50 Most Beautiful People by People magazine. She is known for her roles in Jerry Zucker's First Knight, Legends of the Fall with Brad Pitt, and Sydney Pollack's Sabrina with Harrison Ford.

Spain is the guest of honour of the 32nd edition of the CIFF, where more than 20 films will be screened. Two of these are also in the international competition, where Chus Gutierrez's Return to Hansala will be the screened at the opening ceremony.

The 10-day festival, which has a yearly budget of around one million dollars, will be dedicating special sections to African cinema, Islam in international cinema as well as films on human rights.