by Ibrahim Shehata

Hollywood has found a new icon in Wardal, following the star’s recent string of major film awards in California and across the globe, earning him acclaim on multiple continents. The film industry falters without figures capable of commanding attention and igniting excitement and emotion. Wardal’s rise has been meteoric; he won at the LA Tribune International Film Festival on August 16th alongside Jason Zavaleta and sent crowds into a frenzy at the Gramado Film Festival in Brazil. Major magazines have featured him on their covers, and he is the subject of impactful interviews and articles appearing daily around the world. Wardal is set to star in a music video based on an irresistible 1980s hit—a song that sold 15 million copies in Europe and is now poised to break into the American market while making a comeback in Europe and beyond. He has four American films in production focusing on transformation and identity, working alongside expert psychologist Maria Malucelli. Yet, having launched his career in the Arab world via Egypt—specifically through Samir Sabri’s program “Tonight,” which reached an audience of 500 million—Wardal is returning to Egyptian art cinema with Al-Maza. Written and directed by Sherif El Azma, one of the world’s most acclaimed art-film directors, the project marks a significant return. Meanwhile, another piece of news is beginning to capture the film industry’s attention: Wardal is set to portray a transgressive Roman emperor—a character type never before seen in sound cinema. The film—whose title cannot yet be revealed—will bring back into the spotlight a Roman emperor whose historical image, much like that of Cleopatra VII, has been manipulated. It is characteristic of Wardal to unearth the truth—a fundamental element of awareness, without which there can be no progress. There is also news regarding values ​​that deserve to be highlighted: The Times International, in collaboration with the National Association of Giuseppe Garibaldi (the “Hero of Two Worlds”)—which established the prestigious “Courage for Freedom Film Award”—will create an award dedicated to culture, civilization, and progress. This initiative will significantly contribute to cultural dialogue and understanding between

peoples, thereby strengthening world peace.