Syrian actress Sulaf Fawakherji reopened the debate on personal freedoms and respect for cultures in a detailed and decisive response to the controversy surrounding her appearance wearing a hijab at the Fajr International Film Festival in Tehran, Iran, during the screening of her film "Land of Angels." Fawakherji used this opportunity to clarify her deep-seated intellectual stance on the issue of the hijab, criticizing the double standards practiced by some under the banner of freedom.

A shocking situation reveals the contradiction

In a lengthy post on her official Facebook page, Fawakhri recounted an old incident that left a negative impression on her. She described how a director mocked the wife of a colleague simply for wearing a hijab, using offensive terms that implied "backwardness." The Syrian star expressed her profound shock at this blatant contradiction, questioning how someone who constantly advocates for personal freedom and openness could infringe upon others' right to choose their appearance and clothing. She pointed out that this behavior reflects a distorted understanding of the concept of freedom.

Context of participation in the Fajr Film Festival

Fawakhri's statement comes in the context of clarifying the circumstances surrounding her appearance wearing a headscarf in Iran, a requirement imposed by the laws and general protocols of the Islamic Republic of Iran on all women, including foreign guests, diplomats, and artists. The Fajr Film Festival is one of the oldest and most prestigious festivals in the Middle East and Asia, attracting delegations from around the world. Female artists from diverse cultures adhere to local dress codes as part of diplomatic protocol and respect for the laws of the host country, something Sulaf Fawakhri did consciously.

Freedom is indivisible and respect is a duty

In her remarks, Fawakhri emphasized the principle that "freedom is indivisible," stressing that defending freedoms must be comprehensive and inclusive, without exception. She clarified that differences in opinion or belief do not grant anyone the right to insult others or impose their intellectual guardianship upon them. In a notable statement regarding her relationship with the director, she affirmed that her appreciation for his artistic talent remained unaffected, but her respect for him as a person had significantly diminished. She explained her philosophy that "love may change, while respect is a more stable and enduring value," reflecting a mature understanding of the distinction between professionalism and human principles.

The veil: between religion, history, and anthropology

Fawakhri didn't stop at a personal response; she expanded on her cultural perspective on the hijab, noting that while she might disagree intellectually with its imposition, she sees it as an integral part of peoples' cultures and histories. She based her opinion on historical and anthropological facts indicating that head coverings existed in ancient civilizations predating monotheistic religions, initially linked to environmental factors, climate, and protection, before acquiring their diverse religious and social meanings over the ages. This approach reflects the artist's awareness of the importance of understanding social phenomena within their broader historical context, rather than confining them to a narrow perspective.

A message of respect for laws and customs

Sulaf Fawakherji concluded her explanation by emphasizing that her adherence to wearing the hijab while in Tehran stemmed from her respect for the laws and social customs of the host country. She stressed that this commitment is a personal choice born of strength and confidence, and does not diminish her freedom in any way. Rather, it reinforces her belief that genuine respect for others and their cultures does not conflict with personal freedom, but is its complementary counterpart, thus solidifying the role of the artist as an ambassador for their own culture and a respecter of other cultures.

The curtain has finally fallen on the filming of the series “Darsh”, with which the Egyptian star Mustafa Shaaban is participating in the Ramadan race for the year 2026, as the creators of the work announced the final end of filming this Wednesday morning, just a few hours before the first broadcast of the episodes on screens within the fiercest drama marathon in the Arab world.

The final moments behind the scenes

The past few hours have witnessed a state of artistic mobilization within the filming location, as director Ahmed Khaled Moussa shared, through his official account on the “Instagram” platform, videos documenting the last moments and the end of filming, announcing the completion of the technical operations after a difficult period of preparations and continuous filming to ensure catching up with the Ramadan season.

Thank you and gratitude messages

In a gesture of appreciation for their efforts, director Ahmed Khaled Amin addressed a heartfelt thank you message to the entire team, specifically mentioning star Mustafa Shaaban and producer Tamer Morsi, and praising the significant support provided by Amr Dariri throughout the various stages of production. The director emphasized that reaching the finish line came after long days of continuous work and intense pressure, expressing his hope that this effort would culminate in a popular success commensurate with the hard work invested when the series is broadcast to Arab audiences.

Mustafa Shaaban and popular drama

The series "Darsh" continues Mustafa Shaaban's tradition of presenting social dramas with a popular appeal, a genre he has excelled in over the past years, achieving great success and placing his works at the forefront of viewership ratings. In this work, Shaaban relies on a dramatic blend that combines suspense with human stories resonating with the Egyptian public, raising expectations for the series' success during Ramadan 2026, especially given his large fan base eagerly awaiting his annual appearance.

Successful duos and team

The series marks the return of several successful on-screen duos, with Mustafa Shaaban starring alongside Sohair El-Sayegh, with whom he formed a successful partnership in previous works. The cast also includes Mohamed Ali Rizk, veteran actress Aida Riyad, Lobna Wens, and Hanan Youssef. Written by Mahmoud Haggag and directed by Ahmed Khaled Amin, the series is expected to be a strong contender in this year's Ramadan television lineup.

In a new artistic move that strengthens his presence on the international stage, Egyptian star Mohamed Ramadan revealed details and behind-the-scenes information about his highly anticipated musical collaboration with media personality and international star Lara Trump. Ramadan described this experience as a significant milestone in his career, expressing his immense happiness with this collaboration, which blends Eastern and Western cultures within an innovative musical framework.

Family atmosphere in Miami: Behind the scenes of the shoot

Speaking about the details of the project, Mohamed Ramadan explained in a television interview that the music video was filmed in an unconventional setting, with Lara Trump and her family hosting him at their home in Miami, Florida. Ramadan noted that the atmosphere was warm and familial, lending a spontaneous and genuine feel to the scenes, a departure from the artificiality of closed studios, something the audience will appreciate when the video is released.

Egyptian identity is strongly present

Despite the song's universal appeal and the romanticism inherent in its lyrics, "Number One" emphasized his strong desire to leave his own distinctly Egyptian mark. He explained that he insisted on incorporating touches of Egyptian dialect and Eastern spirit into the work, believing that global reach doesn't mean abandoning one's identity, but rather lies in the ability to export local culture abroad. This approach aligns with Ramadan's artistic vision, which relies on blending Western rhythms with Egyptian lyrics and spirit.

The context of cooperation and the importance of achieving global reach

This collaboration comes at a time when Mohamed Ramadan is seeking to expand his fan base beyond the Arab world, a strategy he has pursued in recent years through previous collaborations with international stars. Lara Trump's participation in this project is particularly significant given her media background and widespread fame, opening new horizons for Egyptian music in the American market. This type of artistic partnership serves as a cultural bridge connecting peoples, where language barriers dissolve before the universal language of music.

Pride in one's country is a fundamental pillar

In a related context, Mohamed Ramadan reiterated his deep pride in his homeland, Egypt, noting that his sense of Egyptian identity is the driving force behind all his artistic endeavors. He added that presenting works that represent Egypt honorably on the international stage is not merely a personal ambition, but a national responsibility and an integral part of his identity as an artist striving to elevate his country's name in global artistic forums.

Details of the artwork

Returning to the details of the song, the source indicated that Mohamed Ramadan had previously released the song "Sah Sah," and this collaboration with Lara Trump reinforces this trend of presenting a striking blend. The new song relies on a delicate balance between pride in Egyptian identity and direct flirtation within a romantic framework, promising the audience a unique audio-visual experience that combines modern musical arrangement with authentic lyrics.