Culture and Art
The legacy of Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Almai: His complete works and a poem in his memory
Following the publication of his complete works, we recall the legacy of the Saudi poet Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Almai. This moving elegy celebrates his literary career and his impact on the cultural landscape.
In a significant cultural development, the complete poetic works of the late Saudi poet Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Almai have been published, bringing together a rich and innovative body of work and preserving the legacy of one of the most prominent pioneers of modern poetry in Saudi Arabia. This publication serves as a well-deserved tribute to a great literary figure and a revival of his poetic voice, which continues to resonate in cultural circles, especially after his passing in 2021.
Biography of a poet who was deeply connected to his land and people
Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Almai, a native of the Asir region, is a prominent figure in modern Saudi poetry. His poetic journey began in the city of Abha, which became a central setting for his work. He drew inspiration from its captivating natural beauty, rich heritage, and the nuances of life in its people, crafting unique poetic material. His poems are distinguished by their ability to blend local traditions with modern poetic styles, making his voice a bridge between authenticity and contemporary expression. Al-Almai was not merely a poet; he was also an intellectual and an active participant in the literary scene, contributing significantly to the cultural dynamism of the southern region and the Kingdom as a whole, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of generations of poets and readers.
The importance of complete works and their cultural impact
The compilation of the complete works of the eminent poet in a single volume represents a pivotal event for researchers, critics, and lovers of Arabic poetry. This publication not only preserves his texts from being lost but also provides an opportunity to study his poetic experience comprehensively, tracing its stages of development and its artistic and intellectual dimensions. Locally, the volume enriches the Saudi library with an important reference work and affirms Al-Almai's status as one of the pillars of poetry in the country. Regionally, the volume presents the Arab reader with a model of a pioneering Saudi poetic experience that has successfully expressed its local identity with broad humanistic horizons, thus ensuring the poet's continued presence and influence in the memory of modern Arabic literature.
And in his memory, and on the anniversary of the publication of his collection of poems, this poem was published, which evokes his enduring presence:
To the late poet Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Almai, after the publication of his poetry collection with his complete works.
"So you and I alone"
and the text of the clusters rained
down on the bier of a memory
that grew in the hearts,
so loyalty blossomed from it
and extended the pole of the promise
love
awoke with it .
The pulse of your heart,
which was wearied by the paths
and overflowed with longing
is still firmly rooted within us .
** You are still with us
at the clouds of (Abha) that have settled in you
, greeting them with poems.
Poetry carves you between its braids
in the faces of the young girls,
in the whispers of the villages
, and the heart aged with revelation
and the remaining allure.
** O my friend,
as you used to write me in the beginnings,
at the very end
of the evening, on a corner where conversation overflowed
and melody delighted it,
where we turn over our papers
, drawing the voice of Fairouz
, the flute of the Tihami,
the accent of the villagers,
and the possibility of the poem
as it groans with its pains
in the veins of winter.
** O my friend who entrusted life
until the wind dries it
behind her cloaks,
like a warmth that directs its weddings
to its rainy dance,
spelling out the note of closeness
, clinging
to the ear of wishes.
** O father of the good ones who distanced themselves
from the catacombs of their desolation
and illuminated their path with your light.
You were one of them,
the roof
, when they leaked you with their names
and ended with condolences
, as if the appointments had not been completed. Their summer
turned the mourning of the unseen
an ear of corn for standing,
as poetry was exiled after you
in the tent of orphanhood
, seeking passersby
if their souls were buried
in the remnants of dust.
** How the three of us used
to fold up the journeys of arrival
and engrave those stories
on the book of life
, like “Our Poems in the Mountain,”
before the liberation of the abundant question
and the face of travel.
** Return me to you
and open my doors to you,
and do not fold those long texts of ink
from our depths
when the evenings frightened us
, we extract from them survival
, we color them with a vision burdened with fantasies
and the next page.
Culture and Art
Mohamed Ramadan excluded from the Africa Cup of Nations final: The full story
Artist Mohamed Ramadan revealed details of his exclusion from the closing ceremony of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, expressing his displeasure with the organizers. Learn the full story and the reasons behind the dispute.
Controversy surrounds the closing ceremony of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
Egyptian artist Mohamed Ramadan sparked widespread controversy after announcing his exclusion from performing at the closing ceremony of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, held in Ivory Coast. In a video posted to his official Instagram account, Ramadan revealed details of what happened, describing the situation as "disturbing" and humiliating to him as an Arab artist representing Egypt.
Background of participation and general context
This controversy arises from Mohamed Ramadan's participation in the tournament's official song, "Akwaba," which brought him together with prominent African stars such as the Ivorian band Magic System and Nigerian singer Yemi Allied. The song achieved widespread popularity and was considered a symbol of African unity through art and music. It was natural for the public to expect to see the song's stars perform it live at one of the tournament's two main ceremonies, the opening or closing ceremony, given its significant symbolic and media impact.
Details of Mohamed Ramadan's novel
In his account of the events, Ramadan explained that he was delighted to participate in this important continental event and that he had dedicated time and effort to filming the song in Marrakech, Morocco. He noted that he was initially informed his performance would be at the opening ceremony, before being told it had been postponed to the closing ceremony. However, the shock, as he described it, came just one day before the final, when he received no official communication from the organizers to confirm his participation or arrange logistical details. He considered this unprofessional and unbecoming of the event's scale and his artistic stature.
Importance and expected impact
Participating in major sporting events, such as the Africa Cup of Nations, is a golden opportunity for artists to enhance their international presence and reach a global audience. The absence of an artist of Mohamed Ramadan's stature, who enjoys a wide fan base in Africa and the Arab world, from the closing ceremony came as a surprise to many of his followers. This situation raised questions about the organizational efficiency and communication of the tournament's organizing committee, which is affiliated with the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Ramadan concluded his remarks by expressing his deep dissatisfaction with the way he was treated, officially announcing his withdrawal from the event and emphasizing that an artist's dignity and respect come first.
Culture and Art
The future of Saudi cinema: Discussions at the Saudi Media Forum 2024
The Saudi Media Forum is hosting 8 of the most prominent art makers to discuss the transformations of cinema and drama, the impact of digital platforms, and ways for Saudi content to reach a global audience.
At the heart of the rapidly evolving cultural landscape of Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Media Forum as a vital platform, bringing together leading figures in art, film, and production to discuss the future of content creation. In its current edition, the forum hosts eight prominent figures in intensive dialogue sessions aimed at analyzing the current reality, envisioning the future, and answering the pivotal question: How can Saudi content compete globally amidst the rapid pace of technological transformation?
Background: A cultural and cinematic renaissance
This forum comes at a time of historic transformation in Saudi Arabia. With the launch of Vision 2030, the culture and entertainment sector has witnessed significant leaps forward, most notably the return of cinemas in 2018 after a decades-long absence. This decision not only opened doors to international theaters but also ignited a spark of creativity among a new generation of Saudi directors, writers, and producers who found support and opportunities to present their local stories with a contemporary artistic vision. Discussions about the identity of Saudi cinema, its accessibility, and the challenges of production have become crucial for this nascent and ambitious industry, and these are precisely the issues the forum aims to address.
Discussion topics: Between the death of cinema and the birth of innovation
The expert discussions are spread across several main sessions, most notably the session “The Death of Cinema: Did Platforms Kill the Big Screen or Redefine It?” This session features artist and cultural consultant Abdulilah Al-Sinani , who analyzes the changing mood of the audience, and director Abdulaziz Al-Shalahi , who addresses the impact of platforms on film language and narrative structure. They are joined by Hanaa Al-Omair , President of the Cinema Association, who presents a strategic vision on how traditional cinema can survive, and Manal Al-Owaibil , an expert in corporate communications, who connects cultural narrative with creating lasting impact.
Another session, titled “Local Innovations with a Global Touch,” will feature veteran producer Hassan Asiri , who will share his decades of experience in bringing local productions to the Arab world. He will be joined by artist Fahad Albutairi , who will share his expertise in establishing successful digital platforms such as “Telfaz11,” and actor Ibrahim Al-Hajjaj , who will highlight the comedy industry as a bridge to connect with global audiences while preserving local flavor.
Drama and national values: from local to global
In the session “From Epic to Screen: Employing Heroism in Drama to Promote National Values,” director Tawfiq Al-Zaidi , who recently made history with his film “Noura” as the first Saudi film to compete in the official selection at the Cannes Film Festival, will discuss how to draw inspiration from epics and history to create dramas that promote national values and resonate globally, thus opening the door for Saudi drama to become a cultural ambassador for the Kingdom.
Importance and expected impact
These sessions are not merely intellectual discussions; they serve as a compass guiding the future of investment and policy in the Saudi media and entertainment sector. The forum's outcomes are expected to contribute to charting a clear roadmap for content creators, encouraging public-private partnerships, and strengthening the Kingdom's position as a leading regional hub for creative industries. This is a strategic step towards building a diversified knowledge economy and leveraging "soft power" to present a new image of Saudi Arabia to the world.
Culture and Art
Artist Mahmoud Bashir, star of “I Will Not Live in My Father’s Robe,” dies at 76
The esteemed Egyptian actor Mahmoud Bashir passed away after a battle with illness. Learn about his artistic career and his most prominent roles in timeless works such as "I Will Not Live in My Father's Robe.".
Artist Mahmoud Bashir passed away at the age of 76
The renowned Egyptian actor Mahmoud Bashir passed away at the age of 76 after a long battle with illness, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy and a special place in the hearts of viewers who cherished his memorable roles in classic Egyptian dramas. The news of his death was announced by actor Mounir Makram, a member of the Actors' Syndicate, on his official Facebook page, where he offered a heartfelt eulogy, confirming that Bashir's passing came after a period of health struggles in his final days.
Details of the last days
The late artist Mahmoud Bashir had suffered a severe health crisis recently, requiring his transfer to a major hospital in Cairo for treatment. His condition deteriorated significantly, prompting doctors to place him on a ventilator in the intensive care unit, where he ultimately passed away, bringing to a close an artistic career spanning decades.
A prolific artistic career at the heart of Egyptian drama
Mahmoud Bashir was born on March 9, 1950, and began his artistic career at a time when Egyptian television drama was flourishing. He wasn't a leading man in the traditional sense, but he was one of the most memorable and essential figures in the works he participated in. He excelled at portraying supporting roles with sincerity and professionalism, making his presence a key element in the success of many series that have become part of the collective memory of entire generations.
His role in the iconic series "I Will Not Live in My Father's Robe" is considered one of his most prominent artistic milestones, where he left a clear mark despite the limited screen time. He also shone in other works that achieved widespread popular success, such as "Morning and Evening Talk," "The Night and Its End" with the star Yehia El-Fakharany, and "Abbas El-Abyad in the Black Day." His diverse roles reflected his ability to move seamlessly between social and historical settings, proving that he is a talented artist in command of his craft.
The importance and influence of Mahmoud Bashir in the art scene
The passing of Mahmoud Bashir represents a loss for one of the "second-tier" artists who formed the backbone of Egyptian drama for decades. These artists, despite not being at the forefront of the spotlight, were instrumental in creating a complete and realistic dramatic world that resonated with audiences. Bashir was a familiar and reassuring face for viewers, his appearances associated with high-quality family dramas that brought Arab families together around the screen. His last appearance was in the series "Aho Dah Elly Sar" in 2019, marking the end of a quiet yet impactful and profound artistic career.
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