Elham Shaheen: The film “Cheap Meat” is one of the most modest works of my career

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Egyptian artist Elham Shaheen revealed the reasons for the attack she was subjected to because of the movie “Cheap Meat,” which was shown in 1995 and sparked widespread controversy at the time, stressing that the work dealt with a realistic issue and was based on real events, but it faced widespread criticism since its showing.

During her participation in a symposium on the reality of female heroism and the challenges facing women in the film industry within the activities of the ninth session of the El Gouna Film Festival, she said that some of the criticism she received came because the film raised sensitive social issues, noting that the attack was not directed only at work but also extended to her personally.

She also confirmed that "Cheap Meat" is considered one of the most modest works in her artistic career, despite its name being linked to the controversy that accompanied it, explaining that the film was based on a real incident and sought to shed light on an issue present in society.

She stressed that the matter was not a dispute over the story or artistic vision, but rather a kind of "intellectual terrorism" that hides an overwhelming desire to silence any voices defending women and their neglected rights.

She added in a sarcastic tone: “Even now, these people are still saying about me: Elham Shaheen sells cheap meat!”, referring to the attempts to insult and influence her, which failed, and increased her desire for challenge, as she put it.

It is noteworthy that the movie “Cheap Meat” was produced in 1995, directed by Enas El-Deghaidy, and co-starring Kamal El-Shenawy, Mahmoud Kabil, Wafaa Makki, Tariq El-Nahry, and Jehan Salama.

The controversial film dealt with the issue of exploiting poverty and economic need in some Egyptian villages, by marrying young girls to wealthy men in exchange for money.