In a decisive move aimed at regulating the artistic scene in Egypt, the Actors' Syndicate, headed by Dr. Ashraf Zaki, issued an official decision to permanently halt the production and filming of the series "Rouh OFF," prohibiting its broadcast during the upcoming Ramadan season or at any other time. The syndicate confirmed that this decision is final and irrevocable, following the proven violation by the production company of serious breaches of the regulations and laws governing artistic work in Egypt.

Reasons for the decision and ignoring the warnings

The union explained in its press release that the suspension decision was not arbitrary, but rather a result of producer Bilal Sabri's disregard for a series of official warnings and notices previously issued to him. The union had demanded that the production company adhere to legal procedures and obtain the necessary permits, but the producer persisted in flouting regulations, necessitating decisive intervention to uphold the union's prestige and the rights of its members.

The union investigations revealed that the main reason for the crisis was the circulation of a video clip showing the producer contracting with the famous blogger known as “Umm Jasser” to participate in the work, which is a clear violation of the union law that prohibits employing those who are not registered in the union’s lists or who do not have official work permits, especially in light of the existence of thousands of academic graduates who are waiting for the opportunity.

Context of the crisis: The union confronts the "blogger phenomenon"

This decision comes within the context of a broader campaign led by the Actors' Syndicate to address the phenomenon of social media celebrities (bloggers and TikTokers) entering the field of acting without talent, academic training, or legal permits. The syndicate consistently emphasizes that art is a creative profession with its own sanctity, and that allowing non-specialists to practice it simply because of their online fame harms public taste and reduces opportunities for professional and syndicate-affiliated actors who have dedicated years to study and training.

Legal significance and impact of the decision on the industry

This decision sends a strong message to all production companies in the Egyptian market: the syndicate will not tolerate any violations of Law No. 35 of 1978 and its amendments, which regulate the work of artistic syndicates. The decision emphasizes that protecting the profession and guaranteeing the rights of its members are top priorities, and that any attempt to circumvent the laws for quick "trends" will be met with deterrent penalties, potentially including expulsion or permanent suspension.

The crew of the suspended series

It's worth noting that the series "Rouh OFF" featured a stellar cast before its cancellation, including Munther Rayahneh, Mirna Walid, Salah Abdullah, Nancy Salah, Tarek El Nahry, Sherif Baher, Mohamed Soliman, Taher Abu Leila, and Reda Hamed. The show also heavily relied on rap and festival music stars, featuring artists such as Samir Afrato, Felix, Resha Costa, Samara, Fifty, Sadat, and the Power High band, indicating its direct target audience of young people.

Amidst an atmosphere brimming with excitement and anticipation, the plane carrying Lebanese singing stars Ragheb Alama, Assi El Hallani, and Carole Samaha landed in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, in preparation for one of the biggest musical evenings, titled "Laylat Al-Arz" (Night of the Cedars). This highly anticipated concert is scheduled for February 5th, as part of the packed schedule of events at Riyadh Season, which continues to attract global attention.

A night of musical entertainment with a Lebanese flavor

This evening marks a significant milestone in the concert calendar at the Abu Bakr Salem Theater, which has recently hosted some of the Arab world's biggest stars. The concert's title, "The Night of the Cedars," carries profound symbolic meaning, referencing the cedar tree at the center of the Lebanese flag, promising an evening that blends national pride with authentic musical artistry. The trio is expected to present a diverse selection from their extensive repertoire, with the audience anticipating a fusion of Assi El Hallani's signature energetic Lebanese dabke songs, Ragheb Alama's modern romantic ballads, and Carole Samaha's powerful stage presence.

Riyadh Season: A Destination for Arab Art

This concert is more than just a fleeting event; its significance stems from its role as part of Riyadh Season, which has successfully transformed the Saudi capital into a global entertainment and cultural destination. Such concerts play a pivotal role in fostering cultural and artistic exchange, offering Saudi and Arab audiences residing in the Kingdom the opportunity to enjoy live performances by their favorite stars. The concert also reflects the musical diversity that the season's organizers are committed to providing to satisfy all artistic tastes.

Behind the scenes of the arrival and the stars' reactions

On the social media front, artist Carole Samaha documented moments of travel and arrival, sharing spontaneous snapshots with her colleagues Ragheb and Assi, commenting with the touching phrase: “When the sons of the Cedars come together,” which received widespread interaction from the public who praised the brotherly spirit between the artists.

Intense artistic activity

In a related context regarding the stars' schedule, artist Ragheb Alama's activities are not limited to the Riyadh concert only, but the superstar is preparing to head later to the United Arab Emirates, to perform a huge concert on February 14 on the occasion of Valentine's Day at the Dubai Autodrome Motor City, where he promises his audience there to present a collection of his latest artistic releases in addition to his classic masterpieces.

In a move reflecting his commitment to maintaining a constant presence with his audience across various artistic platforms, Egyptian star Ahmed Ezz officially joined the Ramadan television lineup this year, but this time on the airwaves with his new radio drama, "El Fahlawy." The series is scheduled to air on Nogoum FM, marking Ezz's strong return to radio drama after an absence of several years, choosing the magic of the microphone to connect with listeners during Ramadan's prime time slot.

A return to the traditions of radio drama during Ramadan

Radio drama in Egypt is a deeply rooted Ramadan tradition spanning decades, with Egyptian and Arab audiences alike eagerly listening to series before Iftar (the breaking of the fast). The selection of Ahmed Ezz to participate this season underscores the importance of this art form, which relies entirely on vocal performance and imagination—a field where talented actors shine, capable of portraying emotions without visual cues. Nogoum FM radio is considered one of the leading platforms preserving this artistic heritage by presenting productions featuring top stars annually.

Personal details of "Al-Fahlawi" and the official poster

The official poster for the series sparked curiosity and anticipation among fans of star Ahmed Ezz, as he appeared prominently wearing a lawyer's formal robe (a black gown), clearly hinting at the nature of the character he will portray. "El Fahlawy" unfolds as a captivating drama that blends suspense and mystery, with Ezz playing a shrewd lawyer possessing exceptional crisis management skills. He becomes embroiled in a complex series of conflicts with influential figures, adding a layer of intrigue perfectly suited to the target audience during the holy month of Ramadan.

"Seven Dogs"... A qualitative leap towards global recognition

On another note, and away from the microphone, Ahmed Ezz continues to bolster his cinematic presence with a highly anticipated mega-project titled "Seven Dogs." The film, eagerly awaited by audiences, is written by Mohamed El-Dabaa and directed by the internationally acclaimed duo Adil El-Arbi and Bilall Fallah, who gained widespread recognition in Hollywood after their resounding success with "Bad Boys for Life.".

Global Arab Artistic Alliance

The film "Seven Dogs" holds special significance beyond being just a new cinematic work. It represents an artistic collaboration bringing together top stars from Egypt and the Arab world, as well as international stars. The film boasts an impressive cast, including Karim Abdel Aziz, Tara Emad, Hana El Zahed, and Sayed Ragab. The film's importance is further amplified by the participation of the renowned Saudi actor Nasser Al-Qasabi in one of the main roles, reflecting the significant development in Saudi-Egyptian artistic cooperation. The film also features the exceptional participation of the iconic international star, Monica Bellucci, placing it among productions aiming for international competition, not just local appeal.