Culture and Art
A Yemeni YouTuber has sparked controversy in literary circles by publishing a novel titled "Attempt"
Despite voices rejecting its author's inclusion among writers and intellectuals, the novel "The Yemeni YouTuber" was published by a publishing house in Cairo
Despite voices rejecting the inclusion of its author among the ranks of writers and intellectuals, a novel by the Yemeni YouTuber Jalal Al-Salahi, entitled “Attempt,” was published by a publishing house in Cairo. It sparked controversy in cultural circles, with some condemning his involvement in literary writing due to his sharp style towards his opponents and his criticism of them, which does not qualify him as a novelist.
Many of Al-Salahi’s critics argued that he was incapable of producing a work of literary value, but others defended him fiercely, including the writer and novelist Ali Al-Muqri, who wrote a full article in Al-Majalla magazine about the novel, stating that he had reviewed it before its publication and evaluated it.
Al-Muqri said that some people base their determination of who has the right to write a novel on traditional criteria that consider the writer to be a person with a message and a refined language that enjoys the respect of society. However, this perspective may seem outdated, as the history of literature shows that writing was not exclusive to traditional intellectuals. There were rebellious poets and writers such as the vagabond poets before Islam, in the Abbasid era, and even in our present era.
He added: It is no longer useful to say that the novel is a field that is the domain of professional writers. In the past, Alexandre Dumas used to listen to the experiences of travelers to write his novels, as did Marquez when he listened to the stories of survivors of drowning at sea, and Abdul Rahman Munif in documenting some of the experiences of those he knew in Arab prisons. Now, most of those who have special experiences - regardless of their importance - are working on recording and publishing them, whether through their own efforts or through the cooperation of editors and proofreaders. He stressed by saying: In any case, no one can prevent another from writing and publishing, as long as there are printing presses and publishing media available to everyone.
He pointed out that Al-Salahi had previously published the novel on Twitter and Facebook under the title “Al-Qashqji,” which is the nickname of the refugee smuggler in the French city of Calais. However, no one noticed that the novel was the same one that was announced after changing its title to “An Attempt.” I remember that when I read the 36th episode of the novel, I asked the writer to send me the complete text. He responded to my request and sent me with it two drafts of two other novels. In fact, I was not attracted to the two novels because of their adoption of a direct political discourse, as I only read a few pages of them. I suggested to him at the time that he hand over the novel that attracted me and that I read in one sitting to a literary editor to rewrite and edit it, as it was written in simple language with many spelling and grammatical errors. This is what Al-Salahi agreed to, and I do not see any problem or fault in using a literary editor. I wrote a few weeks ago about a distinguished novel in which two names were mentioned on its fourth page as having edited it. It can be said that Al-Salahi has misled those who are quick to pass judgment, because this novel could only have been written by Jalal Al-Salahi himself, for the sole reason that it deals with his attempt to emigrate from Yemen to Europe, that is, it is a biographical novel, or an autobiographical novel about a period in Al-Salahi’s own life.
Al-Salahi, for his part, said that the events of the novel tell the story of his suffering in Yemen, in addition to his meeting with a German woman in Aden, getting to know her, and receiving an invitation from her to visit Germany and from there to France, and his attempts to enter Britain illegally.
Culture and Art
Ahmed Ezz's marriage and his assistant? Zeina sparks controversy, and the artist denies it
Actress Zeina announced that her ex-husband, Ahmed Ezz, had married his assistant, reigniting the controversy. Ezz denies the news, while their legal battles over child support for their twins continue.
Renewed controversy between Zeina and Ahmed Ezz
The case of Egyptian actors Ahmed Ezz and Zeina has resurfaced after the latter dropped a bombshell on her official Instagram account. In a sarcastic post, Zeina announced that her ex-husband and the father of her twins, Ahmed Ezz, had married his personal assistant, who manages his artistic career, sparking a storm of controversy on social media.
Details of Zeina Ward Ahmed Ezz's post
Zeina wrote sarcastically in her post: "Congratulate the father of my children... he married his assistant. Now she'll work more diligently, and he's also saved his salary. A truly brilliant plan... and let's all listen together to 'Oh, World!'" This post did not go unnoticed, as it spread rapidly among followers and the media.
In response, Ahmed Ezz categorically denied these reports. In press statements, Ezz asserted that all the rumors circulating about his marriage were completely unfounded. He explained that if he ever decided to get married, he would announce it himself to the public, dismissing the idea of keeping such a matter secret. He added jokingly, "Who would get married in this cold weather?".
Background of the long-standing conflict between the two stars
This controversy is just the latest episode in a long-running saga of disputes between the two stars, which began years ago when Zeina announced her secret marriage to Ahmed Ezz and the birth of their twins, a claim Ezz consistently and completely denied. The matter escalated into a protracted and complex legal battle that captivated Egyptian and Arab public opinion for years. This battle concluded with a final ruling from the Egyptian Family Court establishing the paternity of the twins, Ezz El-Din and Zein El-Din, to their father, Ahmed Ezz, despite his continued refusal to acknowledge them or to marry their mother.
Impact and significance: an issue that transcends art
This case gains significance because it is no longer just a personal dispute between two stars, but has transformed into a public issue sparking widespread debate about paternity laws and the rights of women and children in society. With each new development, the public is divided between those who sympathize with Zeina in her fight to establish her children's rights and those who support Ahmed Ezz, who remains steadfast in his position. The continuation of this conflict highlights the challenges women face in family matters and places the lives of celebrities under constant media and public scrutiny.
Ongoing legal battles over alimony
The case didn't end with the paternity ruling; it extended to other legal battles concerning financial obligations. Recently, Ahmed Ezz's defense team filed a formal complaint against the family court rulings that obligated him to pay exorbitant sums in child support for the twins. These sums, exceeding 2.5 million Egyptian pounds annually, include child support, housing and custody fees, as well as the cost of a maid and school expenses. His defense team argued that these amounts are "exorbitant and cause significant harm," noting that they represent an unprecedented sum in the history of the Egyptian judiciary. This underscores that the conflict between the two parties continues to rage in the courts, away from the public eye.
Culture and Art
Ahmed Helmy: Returning to radio drama and cinema in Ramadan 2024
Superstar Ahmed Helmy returns to the art scene in Ramadan 2024 with a comedy radio series, "First Year of Marriage," and a new film, "The Weakest of His Creation." Learn more about his projects.
A strong comeback for star Ahmed Helmy in Ramadan 2024
Egyptian star Ahmed Helmy is preparing for a major artistic comeback during Ramadan 2024, appearing in two different projects, reaffirming his strong presence and diverse roles. This artistic activity comes to quench the thirst of his fans who have been eagerly awaiting his new work, as he combines radio comedy with complex cinematic drama.
"First Year of Marriage": A radio comedy with a Ramadan flavor
After a hiatus from radio drama, Ahmed Helmy returns to this intimate art form with the series "First Year of Marriage," which will air on Nile Radio Network. Radio dramas are an integral part of Ramadan traditions in Egypt and the Arab world, maintaining a loyal audience who enjoy them at various times of day, whether at home or on the go. Helmy's choice of this format represents a return to his roots and a direct connection with a wide range of listeners.
The series belongs to the genre of light social comedy, humorously and wittily addressing the paradoxes and situations faced by newlyweds in their first year of marriage. This topic resonates with many people, ensuring a wide audience engagement with the storyline. Alongside Helmy, the cast includes a distinguished group of actors, most notably Aisha Ben Ahmed, Emad Rashad, Arifa Abdel Rasoul, and Laila Ezz El Arab, promising a rich comedic experience built on witty dialogue and outstanding performances.
The importance and impact of radio drama
Despite the dominance of television drama, radio drama still holds its own. It relies primarily on voice acting and imagination, giving actors a unique space for creativity and listeners the opportunity to visualize characters and events. The return of a star of Ahmed Helmy's caliber to radio not only enriches the Ramadan season but also enhances the value of this art form and attracts new generations of listeners.
“His weakest creation”: A highly anticipated return to the cinema screen
On the cinematic front, Ahmed Helmy is preparing to return to the big screen after his absence since his last film, "Wahed Tani," in 2022. His new film, "Ad'af Khalqoh" (His Weakest Creation), promises a different artistic direction. The film blends drama, suspense, and dark comedy, reflecting Helmy's artistic maturity and his desire to explore new acting territories beyond the straightforward comedy for which he is known.
The film boasts a stellar cast alongside Helmy, including the renowned actress Hend Sabry in a highly anticipated reunion after their previous successes, as well as Hanan Youssef, Karim Kassem, and Mahmoud Hafez. Directed by Omar Helal, the film is expected to be one of the season's standout hits, thanks to its unconventional storyline and exceptional cast. This cinematic comeback reaffirms Helmy's status as one of the most prominent box-office stars in Egypt and the Arab world.
Culture and Art
Zeina and Ahmed Ezz: A hint of a secret marriage reignites the controversy
Actress Zeina sparked controversy with a cryptic post about Ahmed Ezz's alleged secret marriage. The story details the ongoing legal battle between the two stars and its impact on their careers.
The case of Egyptian actress Zeina and actor Ahmed Ezz has once again taken center stage in the media, after Zeina dropped a bombshell on her official Instagram account. Through a sarcastic and veiled post, Zeina hinted at a possible secret marriage for Ahmed Ezz, sparking a wave of speculation and controversy on social media platforms and reviving memories of the long-standing feud between the two stars.
The post, which didn't explicitly name names, contained scathing words that the public interpreted as being directed at the father of the two children. Zeina wrote: "Congratulate the father of the two children... he married his assistant. Now the work will be done with more integrity, and he'll also save on his salary... a very clever plan." Within hours, the post became a major topic of discussion, with followers linking it to unconfirmed rumors about Ezz's relationship with his assistant, believing that Zeina was confirming these rumors in her own way.
Background to the conflict: A story spanning years in the corridors of the courts
To understand the dimensions of this new controversy, it's necessary to revisit the roots of the dispute that began nearly a decade ago. In 2014, Zeina made a startling announcement, revealing her secret marriage to Ahmed Ezz and the birth of their twin sons, Ezz El-Din and Zein El-Din. Ezz vehemently denied these claims, refusing any marital relationship and refusing to acknowledge paternity. This sparked a long and fierce legal battle that captivated Egyptian and Arab public opinion for years. Ezz refused to undergo DNA testing to establish paternity, a refusal that the court later relied upon, along with witness testimony, to issue its landmark 2015 ruling establishing his paternity of the twins. This was followed by a series of other cases concerning alimony and school expenses, which continue to unfold to this day.
Impact and importance: between personal and professional
The significance of this case lies in its transcendence of the stars' personal lives, becoming a matter of public opinion that has brought to light issues of paternity and women's and children's rights in society. It has directly impacted the public image of each of them. While Zeina garnered widespread sympathy from the public, who saw her as a mother fighting for her children's rights, Ezz faced considerable criticism for his stance. This latest hint from Zeina only deepens this divide, especially as it coincides with new legal developments in their financial dispute, making it more than just a passing comment.
Parallel artistic paths
On the professional front, both stars are enjoying successful careers. Ahmed Ezz continues to solidify his position as a leading box-office star in Egyptian cinema. Following the phenomenal success of his film "Welad Rizk 3," which broke box office records, he is preparing for a major film project titled "7 Dogs," co-starring Karim Abdel Aziz and international star Monica Bellucci. Meanwhile, Zeina maintains a steady presence in the industry, having achieved notable success with her recent series "Fi Riwayat Ahadam - Ward wa Chocolat," which aired on the Yango Play platform. She is also preparing for the release of her new film, "El Shaytan Shater." Thus, the story of Zeina and Ahmed Ezz, a blend of personal drama and professional success, continues to captivate audiences and spark controversy, just when everyone thinks it has reached its conclusion.
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