Young Egyptian actor Karim Kassem to enter the Ramadan drama competition in 2026 with his prominent role in the series "Mana'a" (Immunity). This project marks a new milestone in Kassem's career, as he takes on the unconventional character of "Moneim," a departure from the quiet or romantic roles audiences have come to expect from him in some of his previous work. This reflects his artistic maturity and his desire for continuous innovation.

Personal details of "Moneim": Rebellion and psychological complexes

Karim Kassem plays the role of "Moneim" in the series, the brother of the character portrayed by Tunisian star Hend Sabri . This character is extremely complex; he appears as a rebellious man whose behavior is often characterized by recklessness and impulsiveness. These actions not only reflect negatively on him but also affect those around him, particularly his sister, creating deep dramatic and psychological conflicts within the narrative structure of the work. Kassem explained that this role presents significant human and psychological challenges, requiring an exploration of the character's motivations to understand the reasons for his rebellion.

Formal and behavioral transformations to serve the role

In preparing for the role, Karim Kassem made significant changes to his appearance and body language to align with the rebellious nature of "Moneim." This commitment stems from an artistic school of thought Kassem believes in, one that emphasizes complete immersion in the role, a principle clearly evident in his previous work, which spans both independent and commercial cinema. The actor affirmed his consistent dedication to choosing roles that demand flexibility and adaptability, thus avoiding artistic stereotypes.

A strong team that enhances expectations

The series "Immunity" boasts a stellar cast, raising expectations for both critical and popular success. Based on a story by artist Abbas Abu El Hassan, with a screenplay and dialogue by the distinguished writer Amr El Daly, the series is directed by the creative Hussein El Manbawy , known for his stunning visuals and skillful direction of actors. Alongside Hend Sabry and Karim Kassem, the cast includes a constellation of stars such as Khaled Selim, Ahmed Khaled Saleh, the veteran Mimi Gamal, Huda El Etreby, and Maha Nassar. This artistic ensemble suggests a compelling social drama that could be the dark horse of the Ramadan 2026 season.

Parallel cinematic activity: Hepta 2

On the cinematic front, Karim Kassem is experiencing a period of artistic activity, having recently starred in the film "Hepta 2: The Final Debate." This film follows the resounding success of the first installment, adapted from the novel by Mohamed Sadek. The film boasts a large cast of A-list stars, including Menna Shalaby, Karim Fahmy, Mohamed Mamdouh, and Salma Abu Deif, and is directed by Hadi El Bagoury. This versatility in both television drama and film underscores Karim Kassem's commitment to maintaining a strong and influential presence in the Arab art scene.

Egyptian artist Liqaa El-Khamissi sparked a wide debate in artistic and public circles after her recent statements in which she addressed the issue of the hijab and its relationship to artistic work, categorically denying that religious commitment or wearing the hijab is an inevitable reason for retiring from acting or staying away from the spotlight.

The concept of the hijab: between form and content

In a detailed television interview, Liqaa El-Khamissi presented her own perspective on the concept of hijab, emphasizing that its essence lies in "the veil of the mind and behavior" before it is merely a piece of cloth covering the hair. She explained that the primary purpose of hijab is modesty and covering the chest area, stressing that morals and human interactions are the true measure of piety, not just outward appearance. These statements come at a time when the debate surrounding the appearance of female artists and its relation to their level of religious commitment is constantly renewed.

The debate surrounding art and religious commitment

Al-Khamisi addressed a crucial point regarding the impact of the passing of colleagues in the artistic community on artists' decisions. She affirmed that death is inevitable, but it doesn't necessarily lead her to consider retiring from art, as she believes acting is an important and influential social message. She pointed out that Egyptian and Arab artistic history has witnessed numerous examples of actresses who were able to reconcile wearing the hijab with dramatic work by establishing specific guidelines for their performances, such as refraining from physical contact or scenes that might conflict with the nature of the hijab. This, she argued, proves that creativity can continue without compromising one's principles.

The historical context of the phenomenon of veiled female artists

Liqaa El-Khamissi's statements bring to mind an important era in the history of Egyptian cinema and drama. From the 1990s to the early 2000s, the artistic scene witnessed a wave of what became known as the "repentant actresses" or veiled actresses, some of whom retired permanently, while others returned to acting within the bounds of Islamic law. This context lends El-Khamissi's statements an added dimension, as she attempts to emphasize that art is not at odds with religion, and that talent can coexist with religious commitment.

Praising Hanan Turk's role model

In closing, Liqaa El-Khamissi made a point of mentioning the retired actress Hanan Turk as a respected and admired role model, noting that Turk's decision to wear the hijab and step away from the spotlight stemmed from a personal conviction worthy of respect. This stance underscores the importance of respecting the personal freedoms of artists, whether they choose to continue working in the arts within certain parameters or prefer to withdraw. She emphasized that an artist's true value lies in their creative contributions and the positive impact they have on the public.

All eyes will be on Paris on the 17th of this month, where the identity of the new president of the Arab World Institute is expected to be decided, succeeding the veteran politician and former Minister of Culture, Jack Lang. This decision comes at a pivotal moment, not only concerning an administrative change, but also shaping the future of cultural and diplomatic relations between France and the Arab world, amidst a storm of controversy that ousted one of the most prominent cultural figures of the Fifth Republic.

The end of the Lang era: resignation under pressure from scandals

Jack Lang's departure from the scene was anything but ordinary; the crisis erupted in late January following leaks of emails and photos linking Lang and his daughter Caroline to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The situation worsened on February 6th when the National Financial Bureau opened a preliminary investigation into suspected "money laundering resulting from aggravated tax fraud.".

Faced with mounting pressure, and anticipating an imminent dismissal after being summoned by the French Foreign Ministry, Lang announced his resignation, bringing to a close 13 years as president of the institute, leaving behind a cultural legacy now surrounded by major question marks.

Arab World Institute: The symbolism of the place and its historical role

To understand the importance of this position, one must consider the historical context of the Arab World Institute. This prestigious institution was founded in 1980 through a partnership between France and 18 Arab states, serving as a cultural bridge connecting the two shores of the Mediterranean. The Institute is distinguished by its iconic building, designed by the renowned architect Jean Nouvel, which blends modern architecture with traditional Arab decorative elements (mechanical mashrabiya screens).

For decades, the institute has been more than just an exhibition center; it has been a key instrument of French "soft power," a platform for cultural diplomacy that allows Paris to maintain its influence and presence in the Middle East and North Africa. Therefore, the choice of the new president transcends the cultural dimension, touching upon the very core of the Élysée Palace's geopolitical objectives.

Candidates' Stock Exchange: A Struggle for Influence and Experience

As President Emmanuel Macron and the Foreign Ministry seek to break with the "Lang years," several prominent names emerge as potential successors:

• Audrey Azoulay: The Director-General of UNESCO and former Minister of Culture, she is considered the frontrunner. Despite attempts to link her name to the Epstein case, French press reports have refuted these claims, asserting that her name was only mentioned in the context of her appointment to UNESCO in 2017, without any legal implications.
• Jean-Yves Le Drian: The former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense, who has considerable political weight and extensive connections in the Gulf, and currently heads the French Agency for the Development of Al-Ula in Saudi Arabia, making him a strategic choice for strengthening economic and cultural partnerships.
• Other diplomatic names being mentioned include Anne-Claire Legendre, Macron's Middle East advisor, and former ambassador Francois Gouyette, while reports indicate that former Culture Minister Rima Abdel Malek has declined the position.

The repercussions of the crisis on cultural heritage

The scandal cast a shadow over Jack Lang's intellectual projects; Gallimard announced the postponement of the release of his book "My Life with Mitterrand" to the second half of 2026. The book was expected to document a golden era of French culture, as Lang, during the era of President François Mitterrand, contributed to the enactment of the uniform price law for books, the launch of the World Music Festival, and the supervision of major projects such as the Louvre Pyramid.

Today, the Arab World Institute stands at a crossroads; will the Élysée Palace choose a technocratic figure to calm the storm, or will it push forward a heavyweight political figure who will redefine the French role in the Arab region? The anticipated answer will determine the course of French cultural diplomacy for years to come.