Culture and Art
Mustafa Shehata: The film "Salma and Qamar" is a true story from Saudi Arabia
Sudanese artist Mustafa Shehata reveals behind-the-scenes details of his Saudi film “Salma and Qamar,” confirming that it is inspired by a true story, and how he prepared for the role of the driver in Saudi Arabia.
The film "Salma and Qamar": A true story that touches hearts in Saudi cinema
Sudanese actor Mustafa Shehata confirmed that his new film, "Salma and Qamar," currently showing in Saudi Arabian cinemas, is based on true events, lending the work a unique human depth. In an exclusive interview with Okaz newspaper, Shehata revealed details of his preparation for the role and the challenges he faced, highlighting the film's humanitarian messages.
Preparing for the role: From real life to the screen
Shehata explained that the preparation period for his role wasn't long, but it was intensive and practical. To realistically portray the driver, he relied on direct interaction with drivers working in Saudi Arabia. He said, "I depended on direct contact with drivers to understand the nature of the profession and separate it from the human aspects of the character." He added that the goal wasn't simply to imitate the profession, but to understand its psychological and social dimensions, which helped him deliver an authentic performance. He pointed out that the film doesn't deliver a direct message, but rather subtly touches upon feelings of love, self-esteem, and gratitude for those who leave a positive mark on our lives, considering these values to be the true essence of the work.
Participating in the Saudi art movement
Shehata's participation in the film "Salma and Qamar" marks his first foray into Saudi cinema, a step he described as stemming from his passion for new experiences. This participation is particularly significant given the cultural and artistic renaissance the Kingdom is witnessing, a key component of Vision 2030. Since the reopening of cinemas in 2018, Saudi Arabia has experienced a surge in local film production, attracting Arab and international talent and establishing itself as a prominent artistic destination in the region. Shehata expressed his delight at being part of this movement and presenting his film to the Saudi audience, who are known for their enthusiastic response to new works.
Positive feedback and growing confidence
The film's participation in prestigious film festivals, most notably the Red Sea International Film Festival, bolstered Shehata's confidence in its success. He described the audience's reaction at the festival as remarkable and moving, with responses ranging from laughter to deep emotion, confirming the film's ability to reach diverse audiences. He praised his collaboration with director Ahd Kamel, commending her "sensitivity, respect, and the authenticity of the experience," and also lauded the talent of Saudi actress Rula Dakhilallah, whom he described as "talented, cooperative, and with a promising future.".
Promising future art projects
Regarding his future plans, Shehata revealed that he has finished filming two new movies, each offering a different artistic experience. The first is "Asad" (Lion), co-starring Egyptian actor Mohamed Ramadan, in which he plays the role of Ramadan's brother. The second project is "Banat Faten" (Faten's Daughters), which brings him together with a host of prominent stars, including Yousra, Bassem Samra, and Huda El Mufti. These projects underscore Mustafa Shehata's growing artistic presence on the Arab scene and his diversification of roles across both Saudi and Egyptian cinema.
Culture and Art
Sherine Abdel Wahab has been definitively acquitted of the charge of insulting her account manager
The Economic Court of Appeals upheld the acquittal of artist Sherine Abdel Wahab from the charges of defamation brought by her account manager, in a new legal victory for the Egyptian star.
Acquittal confirmed in final ruling
The Cairo Economic Court of Appeals has brought to a close one of the most high-profile cases recently, upholding the acquittal of Egyptian singer Sherine Abdel Wahab on all charges brought against her by her former social media manager. This ruling is final and closes the door to further legal proceedings in the case, which included accusations of defamation, slander, misuse of social media platforms, and deliberate harassment.
Background of the dispute and details of the lawsuit
The case stems from a professional dispute between singer Sherine Abdel Wahab and her digital accounts manager, which later escalated into a legal battle. The plaintiff filed a lawsuit accusing the artist of insulting him through various means and sought temporary civil compensation of 200,000 Egyptian pounds for the damages he suffered. Previously, the artist's lawyer, Yasser Qantoush, had successfully obtained an acquittal from the lower court, but the Public Prosecution appealed the verdict, bringing the case back before the Court of Appeals, which ultimately ruled in Sherine's favor.
The growing importance of digital management in the art world
This dispute highlights the strategic importance that digital account management has acquired for artists and celebrities. Social media platforms are no longer merely tools for communicating with the public; they have become vital commercial and media assets that directly impact an artist's public image, advertising contracts, and career. Disputes over the management of these accounts, including passwords, copyrights, and the nature of the content, are emerging issues that have become a new arena for legal conflicts in the entertainment industry, not only in Egypt but globally.
Sherine Abdel Wahab: An artistic journey between success and challenges
Sherine Abdel Wahab, nicknamed the "Queen of Emotion," is considered one of the most prominent singers in the Arab world, boasting a career brimming with successes and works that have cemented her place in the hearts of millions. However, her career has not been without its challenges and personal and professional crises, which have repeatedly placed her in the media spotlight. This legal victory represents a significant step for her as she seeks to reorganize her affairs and regain full control over her artistic career and public image, moving away from the conflicts that have consumed some of her energy in recent times.
Culture and Art
The French series: Amr Youssef plays a lawyer seeking revenge after Ramadan
Filming has begun on the series "The Frenchman," starring Amr Youssef. He plays a corrupt lawyer who seeks justice in his own way in this 10-episode drama featuring a stellar cast.
Filming begins for the series "The Frenchman"
The production company has officially announced the start of filming for the new crime drama series "The Frenchman," marking a strong return to television for star Amr Youssef. Written and directed by Adam Abdel Ghaffar and produced by Wissam Seif El Islam, the series is expected to be one of the most prominent off-season productions, airing outside the traditional Ramadan season.
Story background: Justice from a particular perspective
The 10-episode series revolves around the character of Khaled Moshir, nicknamed "The Frenchman." Amr Youssef portrays a brilliant but corrupt lawyer who decides to take justice into his own hands and exact his own vengeful path after mysteriously losing the love of his life. This plot presents viewers with complex ethical questions about the concepts of justice and revenge, and introduces an "anti-hero" character, a genre that has gained popularity in recent years due to its psychological depth and realism.
General context and importance of the work
The series "Al-Fransawi" comes amidst a major shift in the Arab drama industry, where short, high-production series geared towards digital platforms have become the dominant trend. This model allows for bolder and more concise storylines, avoiding the pitfalls of excessive length that plagued some longer Ramadan series. "Al-Fransawi" is expected to reinforce this trend, capitalizing on a broad audience eager for cinematic-quality productions available throughout the year.
A constellation of stars increases anticipation
The series' significance is amplified by its stellar cast alongside Amr Youssef, including veteran actor Gamal Soliman, the esteemed Sawsan Badr, and Ahmed Fouad Selim, as well as Sami El Sheikh, Jana El Ashqar, Ahmed Bahaa, and Ingy Kiwan. The show also features special guest appearances by Bayoumi Fouad and Aisha Ben Ahmed, guaranteeing high-caliber performances and enriching the narrative. This blend of different generations of actors adds considerable weight to the production and raises expectations for both critics and audiences.
Amr Youssef's intense artistic activity
The filming of the series coincides with a remarkable period of artistic activity for Amr Youssef, who is also participating in huge cinematic works, most notably the third part of the film “Welad Rizk,” which achieved historic success at the box office, and the film “Mawsem Sayd El Ghazlan,” adapted from a novel by the writer Ahmed Mourad, which consolidates his position as one of the most prominent first-class stars in Egypt and the Arab world.
Culture and Art
Darin Hamza returns to Egyptian drama in the series "The King" Ramadan 2021
After an absence of several years, Lebanese star Darine Hamze returns to Egyptian television in the series "The King" alongside Mohamed Imam. Learn more about her role and the impact of her return.
After an absence of several years from the Egyptian art scene, Lebanese star Darine Hamze is making a strong comeback to her Arab audience through Egyptian drama, which has always been the widest gateway to fame for Arab stars. This highly anticipated return comes with the series "The King," one of the biggest drama productions scheduled to air during the upcoming Ramadan season, which reunites her with Egyptian star Mohamed Adel Imam.
A pivotal character and filming between Malaysia and Egypt
In the series, Darine portrays the character of "Sarah," a pivotal role expected to significantly impact the dramatic events. With her storyline intertwined with those of most of the main characters, audiences anticipate a standout performance that will build upon her previous success in Egypt. Darine has already begun filming some of her scenes in Malaysia and is scheduled to travel to Cairo next week to complete the rest of her role, reflecting the scale of the production and the diversity of filming locations. The series, "The King," boasts a stellar cast, including Mirna Gamil, Basant Shawky, Amr Abdel Galil, Hanan Motawie, Entisar, and Kamal Abu Raya. It is written by Mohamed Salah El-Azab and directed by Sherine Adel.
Egypt: A gateway to stardom for Lebanese artists
Historically, Egyptian drama and cinema have served as the primary launching pad for many Lebanese talents who have achieved widespread fame in the Arab world. For decades, Cairo has attracted artists from across the Arab world, and success there has become synonymous with stardom. Darine Hamze's return is a continuation of this fruitful artistic tradition, which has enriched Arab television with luminaries such as Nour, Cyrine Abdel Nour, Haifa Wehbe, and others who found in Egypt a fertile artistic environment and immense public acceptance.
The importance of returning during the Ramadan season
Darine Hamze's return is particularly significant as it coincides with the Ramadan drama season, which witnesses fierce competition among major production companies and the brightest stars. Participating in a series airing during this month guarantees high viewership and extensive media coverage. Therefore, the success of her role in the series "The King" will not only represent a strong comeback for her but will also solidify her position as one of the most prominent Lebanese actresses on the Egyptian scene, potentially opening doors for her to participate in more major artistic projects in the future.
Previous successes in complex villain roles
Darin Hamze's participation in Egyptian drama was no coincidence. She had already made a clear mark on Egyptian and Arab audiences through her distinctive roles, particularly in the series "Red Lines" and "Birth Certificate." She excelled at portraying complex and psychologically intricate villainous characters, showcasing her exceptional acting abilities and making her a preferred choice for directors in challenging roles. This raises expectations for her new role in "The King.".
-
Local news one day agoLandslide in Riyadh: Details of the incident in Al-Sahafa neighborhood and containment efforts
-
Local news two days agoThe death penalty was carried out against a citizen who stabbed another to death in Tabuk
-
Culture and Art 6 days agoRamez Galal in Ramadan 2026: Details of the bloody prank show
-
Local News 3 days agoFirst birth on the Riyadh train: A heartwarming story at Andalus station
-
Local news one day agoRiyadh collapse: Emergency plans to secure water after a main pipeline burst
-
Sports 22 hours ago
Controversy surrounds Al-Hilal's goal against Al-Riyadh: A refereeing expert reveals a major error
-
Culture and Art 19 hours agoHaifa Wehbe's absence in Riyadh: A photo crisis or a strained relationship with the media?
-
Sports one day ago
Al-Nassr's absences against Al-Taawon in the Roshan League and their impact on the team
