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.

The arrival of Sinbad of Arabic song in Riyadh

The renowned artist Rashed Al-Majed, nicknamed "The Sindbad of Arabic Song," has arrived in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, amidst intensive preparations for his highly anticipated concert, "Rashed Returns." This concert is one of the highlights of the current Riyadh Season and is scheduled for the 30th of this month, promising an exceptional evening for lovers of authentic Arabic music.

Background to the event: Riyadh Season and the symbolism of Al-Majed's return

Riyadh Season is one of the largest entertainment festivals in the region and is part of the Saudi Vision 2030 initiatives aimed at boosting the Kingdom's tourism and entertainment sectors. The season attracts millions of visitors annually from within and outside the Kingdom and hosts a host of the brightest stars of art, sports, and entertainment from around the world and the Arab world. In this context, the return of the artist Rashed Al-Majed, who boasts a decades-long and illustrious career and a long-standing fan base, takes on special significance. It is not merely a concert, but a celebration of one of the icons of Gulf and Arab music on his home soil, lending the event a profound cultural and national dimension.

A warm welcome and expectations of overwhelming success

Upon his arrival, Majid received a warm welcome from the organizing company and its team, along with a number of his fans who expressed their overwhelming joy and anticipation for the musical evening. The organizing company documented his arrival in a video posted on its platforms, showcasing the enthusiastic reception and the audience's excitement. All indications suggest that the concert will be a complete sell-out, given the expected massive turnout of his fans eagerly awaiting a selection of his most famous classic and new songs, in a festive atmosphere further enhanced by the maestro Walid Al-Fayed and his orchestra.

Transparency in ticketing: no special invitations

In a widely praised move, the organizing company announced that tickets for the concert will be available to the public starting tomorrow (Tuesday), emphasizing that there will be no special invitations. This announcement reflects a recent trend toward transparency and providing equal opportunities for all fans of the artist to attend the concert, enhancing the event's value and making it accessible to its true audience.

Al-Majed's new song enriches the concert

Rashid Al-Majed is expected to perform a blend of his illustrious repertoire and his latest, highly successful releases at the concert. Recently, the artist released several new songs, including "Ana Al-Asl" (I Am the Original), with lyrics by Abdulrahman Al-Muhaidib and music by Mohammed Tuwaihi, and "La Tabti" (Don't Be Late), written by Emirati poet Jamouh and composed by Adel Abdullah. This continuous artistic renewal guarantees the audience a rich and comprehensive experience, combining nostalgia for the past with the enjoyment of new music.

Nizar Al-Fares's statements and clarification of the truth

Iraqi media personality Nizar Al-Fares put an end to the widespread speculation surrounding his relationship with Egyptian actress Horeya Farghaly, revealing the truth about rumors of their engagement. In an interview on the program "Mena Wefina," Al-Fares clarified that the engagement scene shown during his interview with Farghaly was merely a spontaneous joke within the context of the television conversation, and there was no prior agreement or genuine intention to announce a formal engagement.

Al-Fares confirmed that the incident was spontaneous and intended to add a touch of humor to the episode, praising Houria Farghali's character as "refined and respectable." He indicated that the misunderstanding that arose from the episode prompted him to clarify matters, denying any intention to stir controversy or exploit the situation for viewership. He added that the crisis was quickly resolved and that his relationship with Farghali is based on mutual respect, emphasizing, "Whenever I'm in Egypt, I make sure to visit her.".

Background of the event and media context

This controversy arises within an Arab media landscape that often focuses on the personal lives of celebrities. Nizar Al-Fares is known for his provocative questioning style, making his programs a rich source of discussion on social media platforms. For her part, Houria Farghali is among the artists whose lives attract significant media attention, especially after her health crises and surgeries, which have garnered public sympathy and close following. This dual interest in both Al-Fares and Farghali contributed to the rapid spread of the engagement rumor.

Impact and interaction on social media platforms

As soon as the episode aired, social media in Egypt and the Arab world was abuzz with the news, with viewers divided between those who believed the engagement and those who doubted it. The situation sparked a debate about media ethics and the boundaries between television entertainment and the personal lives of guests. While some saw it as a mere pre-arranged media stunt, others considered it an exploitation of the artist's and the public's feelings. Fares's recent statements put an end to these speculations, confirming that what happened was nothing more than a spontaneous segment within a television program.

Houria Farghali's stance

In a related context, actress Horeya Farghaly had previously stated that she was considering marriage to another man, saying, "There was a suitor, and I was actually going to get married, but it wasn't meant to be." Her manager revealed that the suitor was a well-known businessman named Engineer "A. Sh." These earlier statements only added to the public's confusion, but Nizar Al-Fares's recent clarification confirmed that their engagement was completely separate from any other real commitments in Farghaly's life.