The Saudi capital, Riyadh, witnessed a remarkable media and cultural movement with the launch of the Saudi Media Forum , which has become an annual platform bringing together media professionals from around the world. Amidst this media extravaganza, the event was more than just a series of traditional panel discussions; it was a blend of looking to the future and recalling the golden generation, a fact clearly demonstrated by the presence of the esteemed artist Jihad Al-Atrash , the iconic voice of the character "Grendizer."

Childhood nostalgia at the heart of modernity

In a scene that blended the charm of the past with the progress of the present, the audience was transported back to childhood memories when the voice of Al-Atrash resonated across Al Arabiya channel's "Sabah Al Arabiya" program with presenters Mashael Al-Kuwaiti and Majed Al-Thubaiti. It wasn't just a fleeting encounter, but a poignant moment that evoked the values ​​instilled in an entire generation through the series "Space Adventures: Grendizer," one of the most popular dubbed anime series in the Arab world during the 1980s.

Writer Maysoun Abu Bakr expressed her astonishment and joy upon hearing Al-Atrash's voice, describing it as having "seized and enriched my childhood memories." She noted that the presence of a figure representing goodness in the collective memory within the forum's halls reflects the harmony created by the General Entertainment Authority, under the leadership of Advisor Turki Al-Sheikh, who has transformed dreams into tangible reality in Riyadh.

Riyadh... the capital of the world and the values ​​of Grendizer

In his remarks, Jihad Al-Atrash cleverly connected the values ​​of the cartoon character to contemporary Saudi reality. He emphasized that "Grendizer" championed the values ​​of chivalry, love, generosity, and hospitality—values ​​exemplified by Saudi citizens. He added, in a statement that resonated widely, "The Kingdom, through science, has dedicated everything to the advancement of society and humanity.".

Perhaps the most notable thing that came up in Al-Atrash’s speech was his description of Prince Mohammed bin Salman as “the Grendizer of the era,” describing Riyadh as “the capital of the world,” in reference to the enormous developmental leaps that the Kingdom is witnessing and its ambitious vision that defends good and confronts challenges.

Riyadh Rhythm: Between the Hustle and the Podcast

On the sidelines of the forum, the writer touched upon another side of life in Riyadh, noting that traffic congestion is no longer an obstacle but rather an opportunity to enjoy cultural content. She cited Dr. Fahd Al-Arabi Al-Harthi's remarks about podcasts, which have become a rich cultural experience for drivers. She also praised the aesthetics of the Riyadh Metro and its stations, which she described as architectural icons that rival the splendor of world-class amusement parks.

Recommendations for the future of the Saudi Media Forum

In concluding her analytical overview, Abubakr offered key recommendations to ensure the forum's continuity and renewal, drawing on the ideas of writer Khaled Al-Sulaiman. She emphasized the necessity of:

• Introduce fresh blood to the list of speakers and avoid repeating names to ensure a diversity of ideas.
• Developing the skills of organizers to be true ambassadors for the event, familiar with the culture of dealing with guests.
• Reconsidering the withholding of the "Columnist Award," suggesting that the award committees nominate impactful articles themselves instead of waiting for submissions from journalists, given the abundance of insightful writers in the Kingdom in the fields of politics, culture, and tourism.

The Saudi Media Forum is not just a passing event, but a mirror reflecting the vitality of Riyadh, the city that never sleeps, which continues to amaze the world with everything new, just as "Grendizer" amazed us in the past with its defense of good and the land.

Egyptian actress Mai Selim has wrapped up filming her scenes in the highly anticipated drama series "Black Rouge," following a marathon shoot that lasted over two years and included several breaks. The cast and crew are now preparing for the final editing and mixing stages, aiming to secure a place in the Ramadan drama lineup and become one of the most anticipated social dramas.

The character of "Reem"... a human tragedy and a medical crime

In a socially conscious drama, Mai Selim takes on a new acting challenge as "Reem," a simple Egyptian girl living in harsh circumstances with her mother. The plot thickens dramatically when Reem falls victim to a deceitful marriage; her husband exploits her innocence to steal her kidney in a horrific crime, leaving her to endure unbearable physical and psychological pain. This storyline boldly sheds light on the issue of organ trafficking, exposing the dark aspects of this illicit trade and its devastating impact on victims and their families.

Family court files... stories from real life

The series doesn't just address a single issue; it delves into the heart of Egyptian society by exploring sensitive cases within the "Family Court." Based on true stories and documented facts, the plot tackles divorce, khula (a form of divorce initiated by the wife), and complex family disputes that women face in the courtroom. Through these interwoven narratives, the series aims to present a panoramic view of women's struggles and raise societal questions about prevailing laws and customs, thus giving the series an important educational dimension alongside its entertainment value.

Social drama and its impact on public opinion

The series "Black Rouge" gains particular significance given the growing interest in dramas that address women's issues and personal status matters in Egypt and the Arab world. In recent years, several similar dramas have successfully stirred up stagnant waters and sparked widespread societal debates, sometimes leading to calls for legislative reforms. This series is expected to generate considerable controversy upon its release, due to the sensitivity of the issues it raises, particularly regarding the exploitation of women and organ trafficking, placing it under intense scrutiny from critics and audiences alike as one of the most influential works of the Ramadan season.

The team and drama creators

The series "Black Rouge" belongs to the genre of long-form dramas consisting of 30 episodes, and it brings together a stellar cast of Egyptian actors. Alongside Mai Selim, the cast includes Rania Youssef, Dalia Mustafa, Liqaa El-Khamissi, Farah El-Zahed, and Ahmed Fahim, forming a truly exceptional female ensemble. The series is written by Ayman Selim, who penned the screenplay and dialogue, while Mohamed Abdel Rahman Hamaki directs, in an artistic collaboration aimed at delivering a rich dramatic experience for Arab viewers.

On an exceptional literary evening where the magic of storytelling embraced the brilliance of thought, the Culture and Arts Club in Sabya, in strategic collaboration with its literary partner "Mushhaf" and the Jazan Cultural Center, organized a major cultural event entitled: "The Phoenix of the Saudi Novel: Abdo Khal and Another Chapter from the Ashes of Questions." The evening witnessed a distinguished gathering of intellectuals, media figures, poets, and literature enthusiasts from within and outside the Jazan region, reaffirming the honoree's prominent position in the Arab cultural landscape.

The evening began with a welcome befitting a literary figure

The event began with a welcoming address skillfully crafted by Professor Afrah Mu'adhina, who introduced the guests in elegant literary style, paving the way for the evening's distinguished guests: the renowned novelist Abdo Mohammed Khal and his interviewer, the accomplished writer Ali Mohammed Al-Amir. An atmosphere of celebration and appreciation for the Saudi narrative achievement represented by the guest, who is considered one of the most prominent figures to have brought local fiction to the international stage, filled the hall.

Abdo Khal: A Journey from "Sharar" to International Stardom

Novelist Abdo Khal is a landmark figure in the history of modern Saudi literature. From his early works, he established a unique narrative style that blends magical realism with a bold approach to addressing taboo social issues. The significance of this evening lies in its exploration of the rich experience of a writer whose career culminated in winning the International Prize for Arabic Fiction (the Arabic Booker Prize) for his novel "Throwing Sparks," making him an influential voice that transcends geographical boundaries and has helped place Saudi literature on the map of prestigious international awards.

A dialogue of memories and a mirror of society

The dialogue, moderated by Ali Al-Amir, delved deeply into the novelist's memories, as Abdo Khal revisited his early beginnings and the environmental and social influences that shaped his writing consciousness. The two discussed the major transformations that the Saudi novel has undergone and its role as a mirror reflecting societal shifts. The conversation touched upon the concept of "the ashes of questions," and how true writing is that which raises unsettling questions and confronts reality with creative imagination, rather than offering ready-made answers.

Jazan... a wellspring of literature and a cradle of creativity

Organizing this cultural evening in Sabya and Jazan is no ordinary event. The region is historically known as the "breadbasket of the Kingdom" and a birthplace of poets and writers. This vibrant cultural movement, spearheaded by the Sabya Culture and Arts Club and the Jazan House of Culture, reflects a firm commitment to enriching the cultural landscape in the south and activating the role of cultural institutions in building bridges between established figures and new generations, in line with the national vision that places great importance on culture and the arts.

Audience interaction and honoring of pioneers

The evening was enriched by insightful contributions from the audience, as intellectuals raised fundamental questions about the future of local narrative in light of modern changes. The guest responded with his characteristic transparency and candor. At the end of the evening, in appreciation of this rich cultural contribution, the head of the Culture and Arts Club in Sabya, Mr. Hussein Dhaifallah Murei, and representatives of the Jazan Cultural Center honored the novelist Abdo Khal and his interviewer, Ali Al-Amir, affirming their commitment to continuing cultural partnerships that serve Saudi creators and celebrate their achievements.