This scene in the 2006 movie The Yacoubian Building, directed by Marwan Hamed and based on the novel by Alaa Al Aswany, corresponds to pages 82-85 of the Humphrey Davies translation of the novel. In it, Hagg Azzam visits Kamal el Fouli to make a deal.
01:13:17 – 01:18:45
Scene X
INT: Haj Azzam's Apartment
Souad: Enough, Haj!
INT: Shower. Souad showers after making love with Haj Azzam.
Scene Xi
INT: Kamal el Fouli's office
Azzam: I won't take much of your time
I know how busy you are
Kamal: I'm at your service, Haj
Don't be upset with me,
I've been so busy these past weeks that I couldn't see you.
Azzam: I appreciate it, Mr. Kamal.
Kamal: How can I help you
Azzam: You must've inquired about me after I'd asked to see you
Kamal: And I discovered you're a good, honest man
Azzam: Thank God. It's all thanks to Allah
You know…
I want to serve my country; I want to serve my neighborhood.
Where I work, where I was brought up.
Kamal: We all want the same, but each has his way.
Azzam: I've decided to run for the People's Assembly for the Qasr El-Neel constituency
Kamal: Qasr el-Nil?
Hazzam: Yes, they're my people
Kamal: Do you know what we call the district
of Qasr el-Nil in the parliament, Haji?
- A piece of cake
Azzam: I don't understand.
Kamal: Understand what, Haj?
It means that it's a nice, easy constituency
with no problems or slums. You won't be ha**led by people all the time.
There are no demands for apartments and jobs…
No one to nag you and turn your life into living hell!
Where were you born?
Azzam: In Upper Egypt
Kamal: We'll find you a constituency there.
Azzam: But I left long ago and no one knows me there. As for Qasr El-Neel…
Kamal –hang on
Frankly, it's already spoken for.
Azzam: So it's mere talk and can change.
Kamal: Let me think it over.
Azzam: The sooner the better, sir.
[Kamal draws on a paper and hands it to Azzam]
Azzam: It's a “rabbit”, right sir?
Kamal: Yes, you like the drawing?
Azzam: Very good. But a “rabbit” is a lot of money
Kamal: There's nothing in it for me, it goes to a lot of people. I have more than enough.
Azzam: I know, sir.
Kamal: I want you to know who has the Qasr El-Neel constituency.
Azzam: Who, sir?
Kamal: Abo Rehab. You know him.
Azzam: The “El-Reda Wal-Nour” stores?
Kamal: Exactly
Azzam: But he's with the m**m Brotherhood, and there is no agreement between you and the Msulim Brotherhood.
Kamal: No one can prevent him from running; we're in a democratic country.
Azzam: If he runs, he might win! He's ruining the market, selling at 50%,even 25%. He has lots of money and might buy people's votes.
Kamal: Running is easy. Anyone can run and no one with stop them.
But we decide who wins.
I'm not talking about vote-rigging. But we've studied the Egyptian people. The Egyptian people cling to the government like it's their mother, even if the government is loose. It's our game.
Azzam: I know…. Look, this is our first deal together. Instead of a “rabbit,” draw a “chick” instead.
Kamal: Listen, Haj… I can only draw two things. Either a “rabbit,” or a “turkey.” What do you say?
Azzam: It's a deal. Let's recite the Fatihah.
[They clasp hands]
Azzam (con't): Praise be to beneficient, merciful Allah…
Kamal: (breaking the grip): I want some money next week. Cash!
[Azzam regrasps his hand, nods, continues praying]
Kamal: Amen. Congratulations, Haj