Culture and Art
The Broadcasting and Television Authority explores ways to enhance cooperation with the China Media Group
Today, the Radio and Television Authority held a meeting with China Media Group (CMG) to discuss and activate ways of cooperation between them
Today, the Radio and Television Authority held a meeting with the China Media Group (CMG) to discuss and activate ways of cooperation between the two parties according to the memorandum of understanding signed between the two sides in the media fields.
The meeting was chaired on the Saudi side by the CEO of the Broadcasting and Television Authority and Chairman of the Saudi Media Forum, Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Harthi, while the Chinese side was chaired by the head of the Middle East office of the China Media Group, Muli, and a number of officials from the group.
The meeting reviewed the most prominent achievements made since the signing of the memorandum of understanding in December 2022, including the exchange of news and documentary programs, delegation visits, and strengthening cooperation in the areas of media professional training.
Al-Harthi affirmed the Authority's determination to complete this fruitful cooperation between the two parties in several effective areas that positively reflect on the outputs of Saudi and Chinese media. The current cooperation focuses on expanding the scope of cooperation to include the Saudi Media Forum and the Future Media Exhibition (FOMEX), given the Chinese side's interest in participating, as they are attractive environments for media professionals and an opportunity for knowledge enrichment, building expertise, and strengthening the network of relationships in the media field. He emphasized that this cooperation comes as a complement to the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which promotes openness to other peoples, and in line with the Year of Media Impact, which the Broadcasting and Television Authority seeks to achieve its objectives through creating an international impact represented by quality partnerships.
For its part, the Chinese side expressed its interest and commitment to enhancing media cooperation and developing the media industry through joint initiatives and events and participation in the Future of Media Exhibition “FOMEX”, which reflects the depth of relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the People’s Republic of China.
Culture and Art
The ban on the Hamdiya series in Iraq: Reasons and official response
The Iraqi Media and Communications Commission has decided to ban the series "Hamdiya" following accusations of insulting Iraqi women. Learn more about the decision, MBC Iraq's response, and the context of the controversy.
The Iraqi Media and Communications Commission issued an official decision to ban the broadcast of the series “Hamdiya”, in response to a wide wave of popular criticism and parliamentary demands that considered the work offensive to Iraqi women and distorting their social image, in a step that reflects the keenness of regulatory bodies to control media content during the Ramadan season.
Details of the official decision
Mahmoud al-Rubaie, a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Media and Communications Commission, explained in a post on the “X” platform that the decision was based on Order No. (65) of 2004 and in response to angry public demands. Al-Rubaie affirmed the Commission's commitment to preventing the broadcast of any content that offends noble values or incites sedition, noting that the Board had reviewed the original novel by Qadouri al-Douri, on which the series was based, as well as the advertisements broadcast by MBC Iraq.
Accordingly, the Board of Commissioners directed the executive body of the Authority to prevent the broadcasting of the series, with the directive to take deterrent legal measures against any platform operating within Iraq that publishes material that includes abuse of Iraq and Iraqis during the nights of the holy month of Ramadan.
MBC Iraq's stance
For its part, MBC Iraq, through an official source, confirmed that it has not yet received any official written notification regarding the banning of the series. The source emphasized that the channel operates within legal and professional frameworks and respects applicable Iraqi laws. The source defended the work, explaining that the series "Hamdiya" does not aim to offend Iraqi women or any social group, but rather addresses social issues within an artistic and dramatic framework. The source affirmed the channel's readiness to deal with any official decision in accordance with legal procedures.
The context of dramatic debate in Ramadan
This debate is not unprecedented in the Iraqi drama scene, where the holy month of Ramadan witnesses heated discussions every year about television programs and their compatibility with social values. Iraqi and Arab dramas aimed at Iraqi audiences face ongoing challenges in balancing artistic freedom with adherence to the moral and social standards imposed by conservative Iraqi society. Censorship and parliamentary bodies frequently intervene to halt productions accused of distorting the image of tribes, women, or security institutions, making dramatic production in Iraq a process fraught with censorship and societal concerns.
The importance of oversight and the influence of public opinion
The decision to ban the series "Hamdiya" highlights the powerful influence of public opinion and social media platforms on official decision-making in Iraq. Digital campaigns rejecting certain artistic content have become an effective pressure tool, prompting regulatory bodies like the Communications and Media Commission to take proactive or punitive measures. This trend reflects the state's commitment to maintaining social peace and preventing any content that could be interpreted as inciting sectarianism or offending social symbols, especially given the sensitive circumstances that demand social cohesion and respect for authentic Iraqi cultural identity.
Culture and Art
Details of the first episode of the series "Al-Maddah 6: The Legend of the End"
The sixth season of the series "Al-Maddah" kicks off with a fiery confrontation between Hamada Helal and the Red King. Learn about the details of Yosra El Lozy's rescue and the events of the first episode of "The Legend of the End.".
The sixth season of the popular epic series "Al-Maddah: Legend of the End" has launched, bringing a new chapter to the age-old conflict between humans and jinn. The drama intensifies with the character of "Taj," portrayed by actress Yosra El Lozy. Sheikh Saber, played by star Hamada Helal, wages a fierce battle to rescue her from the clutches of "The Red King," portrayed by veteran actor Khaled El Sawy, and "The Daughter of Iblis," played by star Ghada Adel, after they successfully captured Taj using black magic at the end of the previous season.
A difficult test in Morocco
The first episode opens with a fateful visit by Saber to Morocco, where he meets Sarmad, the leader of the Taj tribe. Sarmad presents Sheikh Saber with two bitter choices: either to completely relinquish his spiritual gifts and powers and become an ordinary human being devoid of any special abilities, or to continue his perilous quest to rescue Taj from the very place where they first met.
On a crucial night, Taj comes to visit Saber in his dream, expressing her complete certainty of his ability to save her, which Saber considers a divine sign that pushes him to accept the challenge, armed with her weapon and the special scepter that provides protection from black magic.
Encountering ghosts and losing insight
The drama intensifies when Taj appears as a fairy upon Saber's arrival at the desired cave, berating him for his choices. She then reverts to her human form just as Saber loses his ability to see jinn, a sacrifice he made for the mission. Taj reveals the extent of his lost abilities. Amidst these events, Samih the executioner appears, attempting to torture and harm Saber, but Taj intervenes at the last moment, saving him with her weapon and returning him safely home.
The Madah Series: A Unique Dramatic Phenomenon
This season continues the resounding success of the "Al-Maddah" series over the past five years, securing a prominent place in Ramadan and Arab television dramas. The series distinguishes itself by offering a unique blend of fantasy, horror, and religious folklore, consistently topping search engine results and trending on social media platforms with each new season. It has successfully created its own universe, eagerly anticipated by audiences, exploring the struggle between good and evil from a fresh perspective that relies on visual spectacle and a complex plot.
Exceptional staff
The sixth season boasts a stellar cast of Arab drama stars, adding significant artistic weight to the production. The series is directed by the acclaimed Ahmed Samir Farag and written by a team including Amin Gamal, Sherif Yousry, and Walid Abu El-Magd. Alongside Hamada Helal, the cast includes Ghada Adel, Khaled El-Sawy, Heba Magdy, Hanan Suleiman, Khaled Sarhan, and Gouri Bakr, promising a compelling dramatic clash between the forces of good and evil in "The Legend of the End.".
Culture and Art
The leaked video of Ahmed El-Awady's fight and details of the Ali Clay series
Watch the details of the leaked video of Ahmed El-Awady's fight on the hidden camera, and find out about the stars of his new series Ali Clay and when it will be shown on DMC during Ramadan.
The name of Egyptian actor Ahmed El-Awady on search engines and social media platforms in the past few hours, following the release of a leaked video showing him in a heated argument behind the scenes of a hidden camera show scheduled to air during the current Ramadan television season. The clip has sparked widespread controversy among the public and followers due to the nature of the altercation depicted in the video.
Details of the leaked video and the fight
A widely circulated video shows actor Ahmed El-Awady in a fit of rage, chasing after members of the show's crew. The situation escalated dramatically when El-Awady engaged in a heated argument with a cameraman, resulting in the destruction of one of the show's cameras. This incident has once again brought to light the behind-the-scenes workings of the hugely popular prank shows in the Arab world, which often witness unexpected reactions from guests due to the psychological pressure they are subjected to.
Context of prank shows and audience interaction
Hidden camera programs are a staple of Ramadan television, often raising questions about their authenticity and whether reactions are spontaneous or staged. In Al-Awadi's case, social media users had noticeably divergent opinions. One group defended his actions, considering them a natural and spontaneous reaction from anyone feeling provoked or threatened, especially given Al-Awadi's well-known strong personality and action-packed roles. Conversely, another group felt the incident might have been exaggerated or part of a promotional campaign designed to boost viewership.
The Ali Clay series and the Ramadan competition
Aside from the leaked video controversy, Ahmed El-Awady continues his busy artistic schedule, filming his scenes for his new series, "Ali Clay ." The first episode is set to premiere tonight on DMC channel, amidst great anticipation from fans of popular dramas.
The series belongs to the popular social drama genre, a field in which Al-Awadi excels, and it tackles issues relevant to the Egyptian public. The cast boasts a constellation of stars who co-star with Al-Awadi, raising expectations for the series' success. According to the announced lineup, the cast includes Dorra, veteran actor Mahmoud El-Bazawy, Entisar, Yara El-Sokkary, Essam El-Sakka, Mohamed Tharwat, Tarek El-Desouky, Sarah Baraka, Reem Sami, Diaa Abdel-Khaleq, Rahma Mohsen, Omar Rezeq, and others.
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