500500

[BY]

John Davis

[Category]

News

[DATE]

Oct 1, 2023

500500 was more than just a campaign; it was a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Ahmed Zaki. By bringing together Egypt’s top stars and building an entire museum set to honor his story, we set out to celebrate his legacy with depth and authenticity. Emotional, cinematic, and deeply respectful, this project stands as one of our most meaningful achievements.

500500: A Cinematic Tribute to Ahmed Zaki’s Timeless Legacy

Created as a heartfelt homage to one of Egypt’s greatest actors, the 500500 campaign brought together star power, emotional depth, and cultural reverence to honor the life and legacy of Ahmed Zaki.

1. A Vision Rooted in Tribute
More than a campaign, 500500 was a cinematic love letter to a national icon. With Egypt’s top stars and an entire museum set built to tell his story, the vision was clear: celebrate Ahmed Zaki with sincerity, artistry, and emotional weight.

2. Cultural and Emotional Responsibility
Honoring a figure like Ahmed Zaki came with pressure — every decision had to reflect deep cultural understanding and emotional integrity. From coordinating celebrity schedules to constructing a full-scale set, the stakes were high and the expectations even higher.

3. A Grand Yet Intimate Production
The museum set was meticulously designed to reflect the essence of Zaki’s life, blending grandeur with intimacy. With Egypt’s biggest stars involved, the production was a masterclass in coordination, yet the emotional tone of each scene remained personal and grounded in respect.

4. Cinematic Tools for Emotional Impact
We shot on the ARRI Alexa LF to bring out the campaign’s full emotional and visual potential. Its large-format sensor delivered breathtaking depth and clarity, essential for capturing both sweeping tributes and tender moments. The dynamic range and cinematic flexibility allowed us to move between lighting setups while maintaining a cohesive, polished look.

Conclusion

The 500500 campaign was more than just a film — it was a cultural milestone. Every frame honored the legacy of Ahmed Zaki with elegance and care. By uniting technical excellence, emotional storytelling, and national pride, this tribute became one of our most meaningful achievements — a project that not only remembered a legend but celebrated him in the language of cinema.

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