Amr Waked cites filmmaker ties to Mubarek.

Controversy has kicked off ahead of next week’s planned Cannes screening of film 18 Days on Wednesday to honour the Egyptian revolution.

The omnibus film comprises short films from 10 Egyptian directors, 20 actors, six writers and a crew based on the revolution.

But leading Egyptian actor Amr Waked (who acted in one film and coproduced another) has revealed that he will be boycotting the Cannes Egyptian event.

“The presence of certain artists in this event who previously hailed the old regime and have not reconciled with the people yet, though artistically speaking their presence would be appropriate, makes it difficult for me to attend as I cannot ignore the implications of embracing such a political statement. Thus, I wish that you would accept my apology for not being able to attend,” the actor wrote in a letter to Cannes boss Thierry Fremaux.

The festival and other filmmakers could not be reached for comment at press time.

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