A new step in a rising artistic career

Young Saudi artist Joud Al-Sufyani is preparing to embark on a new and important phase in her artistic career with her debut in Egyptian cinema, a medium long considered the gateway to stardom in the Arab world. This step comes with the highly anticipated film "Kan Yama Kan" (Once Upon a Time), which brings her together with a constellation of young stars, including Nour El Nabawy, Yasmina El Abd, and Marwan Moslemany, lending the experience a youthful and vibrant feel.

"Once upon a time"... a journey from the heart of Upper Egypt

Filming recently began in the historic city of Luxor in southern Egypt, lending the project a unique visual and cultural dimension. Scheduled for release in 2026, the film is expected to be a distinctive cinematic experience blending comedy and adventure. This marks not only Al-Sufyani's debut in Egyptian cinema but also her first foray into comedy, a new challenge added to her already diverse and complex dramatic roles.

Historical context: Egyptian cinema as an incubator for Arab talent

Joud Al-Sufyani's participation takes on particular significance when placed in its historical context. Egyptian cinema, known as the "Hollywood of the East," has for decades been the primary platform from which Arab artists have launched their careers toward regional fame. Egyptian screens have witnessed a remarkable presence of stars from various Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia. Al-Sufyani's move underscores the continuation of this artistic integration and simultaneously reflects the qualitative leap that Saudi art is experiencing, confidently exporting its talents to the largest art markets in the region.

A remarkable performance in Gulf drama

This opportunity didn't come out of nowhere; it's the culmination of a successful career achieved by Al-Sufyani in a short period. She shone in several dramas during Ramadan 2025, captivating audiences with her versatility in roles and characters. Her participation in Saudi, Gulf, and Jordanian dramas has broadened her experience. Her role in the series "Autumn of the Heart" is considered one of her highlights, where she starred alongside a group of prominent Saudi actors, and the series achieved great popular success. She also stood out in other works such as "Luna's Story" as Hana, "Born to Die" as Amal, and the series "Rare Cases," works that solidified her position as one of the most prominent rising talents on screen.

Importance and impact: Enhancing the Saudi artistic presence

Joud Al-Sufyani's participation in Egyptian cinema represents more than just a role in a film; it reflects the growing presence of Saudi artists on the regional stage and embodies the fruits of Vision 2030, which has placed great emphasis on supporting the culture and entertainment sector and empowering young talent. This experience is expected to pave the way for further artistic collaboration between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, enriching Arabic content, producing joint works that appeal to a wider audience, and strengthening cultural exchange between the two sister nations.

Egyptian actress Menna Fadali sparked widespread controversy after making bold statements revealing previously undisclosed aspects of her personal life during an appearance on the program "Mirror" with journalist Khaled Farag. Fadali discussed her past decision to undergo an abortion and announced that she had severed all ties with her father, leading to extensive discussions on social media platforms.

The decision to have an abortion and the regret that follows

Menna Fadali revealed that she had undergone an abortion earlier in her life. She explained that this difficult decision was not related to her ex-husband, but rather stemmed from her personal conviction that she was not ready to take on the responsibility of motherhood at that time. She justified her stance by saying, “Bringing a child into the world is a huge responsibility for which I wasn’t prepared, and I wasn’t psychologically or age-appropriately ready to shoulder the responsibility of motherhood at that stage.”.

Context and importance of the statement

Abortion is a sensitive and controversial issue in Arab societies, surrounded by complex religious and social considerations. Public figures rarely speak openly about such personal experiences. Therefore, Fadali's statement sparked public interest, reflecting courage in addressing a personal matter that could expose her to criticism, while simultaneously opening a discussion about the psychological and social pressures women face. Despite affirming that the decision was right at the time, Fadali admitted that she began to feel regret later in life. She attributed this to her maturation and changing outlook on life over the years, saying, "I can't say for sure what decision I would make if I could go back in time," thus illustrating the internal conflict she experienced.

Final break with the father

In another part of the interview, Fadali announced her firm decision to completely and permanently sever ties with her father. She explained that this decision stemmed from his complete absence from her life since her birth and his failure to fulfill any paternal role towards her throughout her life.

Background of the strained relationship

Fadali confirmed that she had given her father numerous opportunities to mend the relationship and start afresh, but all her attempts failed. She described her persistent feelings toward him as an “escape from responsibility,” noting a clear disparity in the way she was treated compared to her half-siblings. She said, “My father was never present in any significant event in my life, whether educational, health-related, or social, and I received no support from him.” In a culture that highly values ​​family ties, Menna Fadali’s decision to sever her relationship with her father is a bold and unconventional step. This announcement sheds light on a reality experienced by some families, where the absence of a parent profoundly impacts the lives of their children. She emphasized that she would only fulfill her “social obligation” should anything happen to him, without any personal feelings, saying, “If something happens to him, I will do what is required of me, nothing more,” reflecting the depth of the rift in their relationship.

Menna Fadali's statements reveal a deep and candid human side of her personality, far removed from the spotlight and fame. By sharing these painful experiences, Fadali presents herself as someone unafraid to confront her past, which may inspire others going through similar circumstances and underscores that the lives of celebrities are not always as perfect as they seem.