The renowned Egyptian actor Hussein Fahmy, president of the Cairo International Film Festival, has put an end to the widespread controversy that arose in recent days across social media and news outlets regarding his remarks about the Palme d'Or award and international film festivals. In a firm official statement, Fahmy asserted that his comments had been taken out of context, emphasizing that they were part of a general theoretical discussion about the inner workings of international judging panels.

Context of the conversation and denial of offense

Fahmy clarified that his remarks came during a casual conversation about how the decisions of judging panels at major festivals are sometimes influenced by political factors and the prevailing atmosphere at the time of the festival. He emphasized that he had absolutely no intention of questioning the merit of any country or artwork in receiving awards. He explained that his use of certain examples was spontaneous and involved an unintentional overlap between events, names, and political positions. He categorically denied any intention to offend or diminish the value of leading Arab artistic works that have won international awards.

Historical background and importance of Algerian cinema

This clarification comes at a time when the Arab public, and the Algerian public in particular, holds a deep sensitivity and affection for their rich cinematic history. It is well-known that Algerian cinema boasts a golden record on the international stage, with the Palme d'Or win at the 1975 Cannes Film Festival for "Chronicle of the Years of Embers" by director Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina being a pivotal event in the history of Arab and African cinema, as it remains the only Arab film to have received this prestigious award. Therefore, any discussion of these achievements is met with great interest and scrutiny from both critics and the public.

A message of love and appreciation to the Algerian people

In a related context, the Egyptian artist reiterated his deep respect and sincere love for Algeria, its leadership, people, and art. Fahmy stated that the achievements and international successes of Algerian cinema remain a source of pride for every Arab citizen, and that its place is always cherished and appreciated in the hearts of Egyptians and all Arabs.

Art as a bridge for communication between peoples

The president of the Cairo International Film Festival concluded his statement by emphasizing the pivotal role of art in bringing people together, noting that cinema remains a universal language that unites rather than divides, and strengthens the bonds of brotherhood among Arabs. He expressed his gratitude to his large Algerian audience, appreciating their understanding of the spontaneous nature of his remarks, and affirming that the artistic relations between Egypt and Algeria will remain a model of fruitful cooperation and shared creativity that transcends any passing misunderstanding.

Egyptian artist Mai Kassab to enter the Ramadan 2026 season with a new and different dramatic experience through the series “Noon Al-Niswa” , a social work with a humanistic character consisting of 15 episodes, reflecting the modern trend in Egyptian drama towards short and intensive series.

Personal details of "Sharifa" and her journey to success

In the series, Mai Kassab portrays Sharifa, an ambitious young woman who begins her career behind the scenes of the celebrity world as an assistant to a major star, played by Simone . The plot thickens dramatically when Sharifa is given a golden opportunity to appear on screen after one of the leading ladies unexpectedly withdraws from the project. This sets her on her own journey in the world of art, amidst a series of challenges and human conflicts that reveal the secrets of this industry.

A return to musical roots with Aziz El Shafei

What distinguishes the "Nun Al-Niswa" experience is Mai Kassab's investment in her original talent as a singer. In press statements, she expressed her great enthusiasm for combining drama and singing in this work. Mai collaborated with the renowned composer Aziz El-Shafei to present a collection of songs accompanying the series, a move aimed at delivering a complete artistic experience that blends acting and vocal performance—an artistic style in which Mai Kassab has excelled since the beginning of her career.

The phenomenon of 15-episode series in Ramadan

The series "Noon Al-Niswa" reinforces the presence of 15-episode series during Ramadan seasons, a phenomenon that has become increasingly prevalent in recent years in Egyptian and Arab drama. This dramatic format allows for a faster pace of events and avoids drawn-out storylines, attracting a wide audience that prefers focused and concise narratives. This is what the creators are banking on to ensure the series' success amidst fierce competition.

The Stars Battalion and the Makers

The series boasts a stellar cast whose performances enrich the production. Alongside Mai Kassab and Simone, the cast includes Heba Magdi , the brilliant Ahmed Fahim , the comedian Mahmoud El-Leithy , Nada Moussa , and Ahmed El-Rafei . Produced by Sabah Ikhwan, one of the leading production companies in the Arab world, and written by Mohamed El-Henawy and directed by Ibrahim Fakhr, the series raises expectations for its artistic and directorial quality.

Expected impact and competition

The series "Nun Al-Niswa" is expected to make a significant impact on the 2026 Ramadan drama season, particularly as it addresses women's issues within a humanistic and social framework—a genre of drama that enjoys considerable popularity among Arab families. Furthermore, the combination of tragedy, a story of rising success, and musical elements lends the work diverse entertainment and artistic dimensions, potentially making it one of the most prominent contenders for viewership ratings.

Security forces brought an end to the life of artist Jamal Assaf, who was killed in an armed confrontation, thus concluding a career that sparked widespread controversy in Syrian circles. Assaf was known for his staunch support of the Syrian regime, having transformed from a mere performer of popular songs into an instigator during the bloody conflict that engulfed the country, making his death a widely followed and closely watched event.

An artistic career in service of the conflict

Jamal Assaf was not just a passing artist; he was a prominent figure in what became known as "crisis songs," according to Syrian television and local media. Over the past few years, Assaf used his voice to attack the opposition with harsh lyrics, and his name became associated with songs bearing explicitly political and military themes. This trajectory reflects a phenomenon that emerged clearly during the Syrian war, where many artists became entangled in political alignment, often transforming art from a tool for peace into a means of mobilization and incitement—a context that placed Assaf at odds with a large segment of the Syrian population.

Calls for murder and boasting about weapons

Assaf's stances went beyond singing, reaching the point of direct incitement to violence. He sparked a massive wave of criticism and anger after posting statements on his personal social media accounts that included explicit calls for the use of barrel bombs against civilians in the city of Idlib in northwestern Syria. Not only that, but he also appeared on numerous occasions wearing military uniform and boasting about his participation in battles alongside the forces of the former regime, making him a target of legal and moral prosecution by human rights organizations and activists who considered his actions to be tantamount to incitement to murder.

Arrest and disappearance

The net began closing in on Assaf in late December 2024, when Syrian security forces announced his arrest in Aleppo. This followed intelligence reports confirming his hiding and constant movement between secret locations to avoid capture, in an attempt to evade legal consequences or settle internal scores. News of his arrest came as a shock to his supporters and a relief to his opponents, and it resonated widely across social media platforms, with some considering it the beginning of holding figures of incitement accountable.

The final chapter: An apology that did not absolve and a deadly confrontation

In a striking turn of events, leaked videos surfaced showing Jamal Assaf reappearing in January 2026 following his release. He offered a public apology to the Syrian people for his past actions, attempting to turn the page on the past. He then moved to the Ashrafieh and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods of Aleppo, areas with complex security and demographic characteristics. However, this apparent reconciliation was short-lived; his life ended in a violent armed clash during another attempt by a security patrol to arrest him, bringing to a close the life of a figure who embodied the contradictions and dramatic transformations of the Syrian war.