Egyptian actress Lina Sofia has commented on her participation in the Netflix film “Mary”, which depicts the life story of the Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus.
The primary reason for the backlash was the casting of Israeli actress Noa Cohen as the Virgin Mary, which many argued should have been given to a Palestinian actor.
In a statement to the Cairo 24 website, Lina Sofia said that, “The film is British-produced and directed, and the male lead is British. It was an important opportunity that I couldn’t refuse, and I didn’t know at first that the actress was an Israeli. I was surprised by that, but I continued because I was proud of Egypt’s participation in it and I don’t care about anyone’s nationality.”
The film “Mary” has faced significant criticism from viewers, including Palestinians and Christians.
Several social media users further questioned the appropriateness of the choice given ongoing tensions in the region.
Others claimed that the film contains inaccurate historical and religious information.
However, the Egyptian actress argued that, “The film doesn’t distort historical facts or insult the Virgin Mary. Israelis are everywhere, and we need to impose ourselves in global works just as they are present. I saw the attack on the film “Mary” and was a little afraid that it would affect it, but in the end, it’s a film that presents facts.”
The biblical epic was released on Netflix on December 6. It spans Mary’s life from childhood, marked by her parents’ struggles with infertility, to her dedication to the temple and her eventual motherhood. It follows her journey through pregnancy, the trip to Bethlehem, and the harrowing escape from King Herod’s soldiers.
