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The following is issued on behalf of the Provisional Urban Council:

In a new Omnimax Show presented by the Provisional Urban Council at the Hong Kong Space Museum, legendary actor and native Egyptian Omar Sharif returns to captivate the audience with "Mysteries of Egypt". In his engaging performance, Sharif enchants his granddaughter and viewers of all ages with tales of the tombs and treasures of Egypt.

Weaving the story of determination, discovery and tragedy of the British archaeologists who discovered King Tut's tomb, the film uncovers the amazing accomplishments of this ancient civilization in fascinating details.

"He told me this was his gift to his country," co-producer Lisa Truitt said of Sharif's reasons for playing leading role in this Omnimax Show.

Actress Kate Maberly, who starred in "The Secret Garden", plays the part of his granddaughter. Her favorite part of the film was when she and Sharif went down the Nile in a felucca, an elegant sailboat similar to those used in ancient times.

Maberly said travelling around Egypt with Sharif was great. "Everywhere we went, he was treated like a king," she said.

Sharif is perhaps best known for his role in movies such as "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Doctor Zhivago".

In this film, Sharif tells the story of an empire that has captured the world's imagination for thousands of years.

Egypt is seen for the first time on giant screen and the film offers a never-before seen perspective, from breathtaking aerial shots to up-close views of the magnificent Nile, the mythical pyramids and the Pharaohs' treasures.

Wrapped in a grandfather's loving patience and laced with a treasure seeker's desire, the film uncovers the "Mysteries of Egypt" -- the first large-format film co-produced by National Geographic Films and Destination Cinema.

Screening will be from November 4, 1998 onwards at the Space Theatre of the Hong Kong Space Museum (10, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui). Admission for this 39-minute film is $32. Concession is at $16 for full-time students, people with disabilities and senior citizens (Enquiries: 2734 2722). Tickets are on sale at all URBTIX outlets.

From November 4 to January 17, 1999, viewers of this Omnimax Show can enjoy a 50% discount for admission to the "Egyptian Treasures" exhibition at the Hong Kong Museum of Art upon producing the original ticket stubs. This discount is not applicable to concessionary admission.

End/Monday, November 2, 1998

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