The Censor’s Scissors didn’t get near Qalb Mayet

“It’s enough that we made a clean series that did not include any inappropriate scenes or any offensive language that would discontent the Egyptian or the Arab Family”!!

That was the comment of renowned actor Sherif Mounir when we asked him about his reaction to the diverse opinions of critics on his new series (Qalb Mayet), which has been aired on many local and satellite channels since the beginning of Ramadan.

Mounir continued saying: One self-evident proof to what I’m saying is the fact that the Censorship did not object to any scene, while many other series that were aired this year faced many problems with Censorship. Such a thing did not happen with us, and the series was broadcasted on all satellite channels in the same form and content aired on Egyptian Television, which is something that pleased all the series’ team.

Regarding the diverse opinions of viewers on the character of Reda Abu Shama, played by Mounir, he said: “Well, this was expected; the character is totally new to me, and the viewers are not used to seeing me playing such a role. Of course, if I hadn’t found anything new and different than all my previous roles whether on TV or in cinema, I would have never given starring this series a second thought.”

Regarding his opinion of the phenomenon of the immense amount of serials broadcasted during Ramadan this year, Mounir said: “Well, it’s only natural for such thing to happen with all the production companies and local and satellite channels. Anyways, let’s agree that a good work would assert itself and attract the viewers, especially when we know that such works and especially the successful ones, will be broadcasted after Ramadan once or twice; something that will allow the viewers to follow these series more closely. I do expect that (Qalb Mayet) would be even more successful when broadcasted after Ramadan.

(Qalb Mayet) is written by Ahmad Abdel Fattah, directed by Magdi Abu Emeira and features Ghada Adel, Khaireya Ahmad, Gamal Ismail, Samira Abdel Aziz, Ahmad Haroun, Muhammad El-Shakankeery and former Ms. Egypt, Fawziya.

Khaled Saleh: What Jihane Al-Sadat said about me

In an exclusive statement, the distinguished artist Khaled Saleh expressed his joy about what Jihane Al-Sadat –the late president Al-Sadat’s widow- has said about him in the program “90 Daqiqa” (90 Minutes) with the presenter Moataz Al-Demerdash.

Khaled Saleh declared: What’s been said by this great lady was a splendid, unexpected surprise to me, and is a statement that I will always cherish especially that these words came from a lady who enjoys a distinguished status and has a prominent role in our society.

Saleh then added that by nominating him from among dozens of other stars to portray the character of the late Al-Sadat in a TV series, Mrs. Jihane Al-Sadat has given him a great testimony that he will forever treasure, as it’s one of his biggest dreams to portray Anwar Al-Sadat in a huge TV series, under the condition of having all the elements of success provided so that it would be presented in a way that’s worthy of the late president’s name and status.

Mrs. Jihane Al-Sadat has appeared on “Al-Mehwar” satellite channel with the presenter Moataz Al-Demerdash last October 6th, and has talked about her favorite artists and actors.

Mrs. Al-Sadat confirmed that the first on her list is Khaled Saleh, she also added that she nominates him to portray her late husband’s role.

Mrs. Jihane applauded the performances of Khaled Al-Sawy, Yahia Al-Fakharany and Nour Al-Sharif as well, and when asked about her favorite actresses she immediately replied Sawsan Badr and Hala Fakher.

Ahmed El-Sakka’s writing symptoms!

Ahmed El-Sakka has been experiencing lately some “writing symptoms”.

The star has finished recently writing a socio-drama with a twist of thriller, inspired by some true events he went through during the period in which he was playing soccer and even got so close to becoming a professional soccer player if it weren’t for his passion for acting, and studying in the institute of Performing Arts.

El-Sakka gave the story to the young scenarist Ahmed Fahmy in his first attempt to write a full script to transform it into a movie starring –along Ahmed El-Sakka- his favorite co-star Mona Zaki.

El-Sakka has written a song before, as he wrote the lyrics for Mohamed Nour’s “Malak Ya Tara”, which he finished recording lately to be one of the tracks in his new album that will hit the market soon.
El-Sakka promised his friend Nour that there will be more cooperation between them in the coming period. El-Sakka also asked the director Ahmed Saleh to use the song “Malak Ya Tara” in the promotion for his new movie “Al-Dealer” (The Dealer).

El-Sakka has finished shooting some of his scenes in “Al-Dealer” in Turkey, and returned after in order to spend the holy month of Ramadan with his family, and he will return to resume filming his remaining scenes right after Bayram.

“Al-Dealer” stars Ahmed El-Sakka, Khaled El-Nabawi and Mai Selim, it tells the story of a poor young man who’s forced to work as a dealer in a casino due to his financial status, which makes him run into some drug dealers..the events keep rolling and he becomes one of the most biggest drug dealers in Egypt till he meets a dancer –played by Mai Selim- who would have a great influence in his life and succeeds in helping him turn his life around until an well trained officer, who wants to arrest him, not only because of his drug dealing, but also because he’s competing with him over winning the dancer’s heart!

Things going wrong between Tamer and Sherine

"Sherine is merely a colleague whom I happen to have started my journey with" said Tamer Husny in an interview.
This interview aimed at clarifying Husny's situation, especially after the problems and crises that accompanied the premiere of his movie (Omar We Salma).
When asked about the reason behind ignoring many of his long time friends, and not inviting them to the premiere, Tamer stated that he invited only those who stood beside him during his famous crisis that put him behind bars for many months.
He commented to Sherine saying that she was merely a colleague whom he happened to have started his journey with.
On her part, Sherine decided to pay Husny back for what he said. The chance to do so was offered to Sherine, when both singers were invited to sing in a wedding in a five star hotel.
At the wedding, Sherine refused completely to sing along with Husny, who in turn prolonged his period of singing to piss Sherine off.
When Sherine got finally on stage, she mocked Husny severely in front of all the guests.
On the other hand, the problems which accompanied Husny's movie reached the extent of spreading rumors that the expenses of the premiere were paid by an Arab princess who lives in Egypt.

Aal Ahwa by Essam Karika

Artist Essam Karika had postponed the release of his new album from the Fitr Feast to Al-Adha Feast due to his engagement with many concerts during the Feast. Karika is to film two songs featured in the album; the first of which is entitled Hettet Bett, and is a duet between Karika and a female pop singer.

The song, which is written by Muhammad Hilal and composed by Bassem Mouneer, will be filmed using modern graphic techniques, The second song is entitled Kol Hammak, and is written by Mahmoud Salah and composed by Ahmad Adel. Kol Hammak is to be directed by Ahmad Ghazal in Hurghada.

Both songs are to be broadcasted on the same day on Mazika channel. Karika album is produced and distributed by Alam El-Fann, and is to feature nine songs, all of which are composed by Karika himself.

The album bears witness to the cooperation between Karika and poets Mahmoud Salah, Abdel Monem Taha, Muhammad Hilal and Islam Galal and composers Touma, Ahmad Adel and Bassem Mouneer.

Razan: (nothing wrong with bikini)

Quote of the week: “Wearing a bikini is no crime. Should I come down to the water in gallabeyya?”

Razan Moghrabi, the TV presenter, model and entertainer made the statement in response to news of a lawsuit accusing her of “inciting debauchery” and demanding her deportation from Egypt.

Earlier this month, Razan appeared on a cover of Lounge, an Egyptian lifestyle English magazine, posing in bikini sitting on the pool steps, with the story headlines announcing an “uncensored” photo session inside.

The plaintiff, Nabil El Wahsh, a lawyer well known for his advocacy of public morality in many cases against public figures, emphasized that the photos are from a TV serial due to be broadcast in Ramadan, the Islamic holy month, which falls under the Egyptian Penal Law.

Razan’s “seductive gestures and hot outfits” contradict with Eastern values and traditions, as El Wahsh put it, demanding the termination of her membership in the Egyptian Actors’ Union, and banning her on Egyptian TV.

The list of defendants include the Ministers of Interior and Media, and the Heads of Actors’ and Musicians’ Unions.

Following the lawsuit, Party, an Egyptian Arabic magazine, also featured Razan in a cover story wearing another bikini.

Sabreen upset over Al-Fanar not being

In an exclusive statement, renowned artist Sabreen said that she was not at all pleased with what happened with her new series (Al-Fanar).

The series, she said, had not been marketed or broadcasted on satellite and Arab channels properly, especially with all the efforts that had been exerted to present it in a favorable way.

Sabreen asserted that she felt there were some mysterious reasons behind the injustice inflicted upon the series by not allowing all of the Arab audience to view it.

Sabreen added that there was a general agreement that the series would be a source for pride for the Egyptians, with all the honorable characters, noble values and outstanding patriotic acts featured in the series
Sabreen then stated that it would have been better to broadcast the series abroad instead of the works that included improper offensive language, while claiming that they deal with poor neighborhoods and shantytowns.

Such works, Sabreen continued, caused many damages to Egypt’s reputation abroad, and even affected the manners of our children who became used to using such language, a language that wouldn’t be used even in the poorest of neighborhoods.

(Al-Fanar) series is written by Magdi Saber, directed by Dr. Khaled Bahgat and features a group of stars like Yasser Galal, Ahmad Rateb, Roujeena, Ahmad Bedeir, Tarek Lotfy, Zizi Al-Badrawy, Nashwa Mustafa, Muhammad Kamel and many others.

(Rotana) & Alam Al-Fann's crisis

The truth about the crisis between “Rotana” & “Alam Al-Fann” because of Susan Tamim
In an exclusive statement, an official source in Rotana denied the existence of any kind of differences between Rotana and Alam Al-Fann (Mohsen Gaber) concerning the forecasting of any of the late Susan Tamim’s video-clips or interviews on ALam Al-Fann’s Zoom and Mazzika channels.

The source confirmed that all that’s been said regarding this matter has absolutely nothing to do with the truth, he also added that Rotana produced only one album for Susan Tamim in 2002 & that her contract with the company has never been renewed.

Thus, every relation between the late Lebanese singer and Rotana has been over, and so, Tamim had every right to cooperate with any other company including Alam Al-Fann.

Some news had been spread lately confirming the outrage of Rotana because of the frequent ads and the forecasting of Susan Tamim’s songs on Mazzika and Zoom, claiming that these songs are copyrighted by Rotana.

The crisis even got bigger when Alam Al-Fann announced it’s going to show an episode of the program “Bahebbaha” (I Love Her) on Wednesday 17th featuring Susan Tamim with the TV presenter Mamdouh Moussa.

The episode was shot 2 years ago and featured Susan Tamim singing some of her most famous songs including “Ghairak Enta”, “Ala Halak” and “Akdar Akhounak”…the episode also shows Tamim talking about her early beginnings and the production companies she dealt with, as well as answering her fans’ questions.

Susan Tamim last will

Susan Tamim left her wealth for her mother and brother…and deprived her father from anything..
The Cairo Court of Appeals announced last Thursday it will begin holding hearings in the case of the well-known Egyptian businessman Hisham Talaat Mustafa and the former officer Mohsen Al-Sokkary, both accused of killing the late Lebanese singer Suzan Tamim, on October 18th.

The date of the hearings came simultaneous to the UAE authorities revealing the last will & testament of the late artist, in which she excluded her father from obtaining a share of her wealth that she gave all to her mother and brother.

Al-Bayan newspaper published a statement last Thursday with a front page snapshot of Tamim’s will written before her death.

The newspaper said Dubai Police found in Tamim’s apartment after her death a small paper bearing the words "Marriage or Assassination" attached to the will which was added to the case file handed to the Public Prosecutor's Office.

The newspaper stated: The presence of the Will written and signed by Susan and that small piece of paper containing the words "Marriage or Assassination" confirms that Susan was sure she would be killed, the thing that urged her to write her will and carry it with her from London to Dubai just two days before her death.

Will Amr Diab be a Goodwill Ambassador?

Super star Amr Diab is to fly to the USA by the middle of next month in order to hold a number of concerts there. Such concerts are expected to witness a huge number of audience, which will mainly consist of Arab community members, in addition to the American audience, who are used to listening to Diab's voice; being the most popular Arab singer.
As soon as he returns to Egypt, Diab will start preparing for his upcoming movie, temporarily entitled "Al-Moutamared". The movie will be produced by "Good News" Company, and tackles several aspects of the life of the Superstar who acquired the Music Award thrice.
In an exclusive statement, Diab said: "The movie is not actually an archive of my life; as I can't just put my life right there on screen. However, there are certain viewpoints that the movie presents in an indirect way. I am known not to be of the talkative type throughout my career; hence there are a lot of things that I want to clarify in an indirect movie; one that has an artistic value in filming, content and the way of addressing the audience". Meanwhile, a number of official sides, in addition to organizations of the civil society in Egypt started making some statements about the possibility of nominating star Amr Diab within the upcoming period as a UN Goodwill Ambassador in one of its several branches. The question now is: will the post get accepted by the Star, so as to be side to side with other Egyptian artists who happen to have the same title; such as Superstar Adel Imam, Mahmoud Qabeel, Hussein Fahmy and Safiya El-Emary?

Shaabola denies singing for Amr Moussa, but still hates Israel

In an exclusive statement for Masrawy, Pop singer Shaaban Abdel Reheem denied all that was said during the last few days, and was also published in many newspapers and websites; that he was getting ready to dedicate another song to the Secretariat General of the Arab League, Mr. Amr Mousa, in which he praises some of Moussa's latest statements and actions. Shaabola made it clear that he did praise Moussa before in his hit (Ana Bakrah Israel), so, it's really difficult for him to make any similar songs, for it would mean that he has nothing new to offer. He then added saying that during the last period, he heard and read many pieces of news speaking of songs by him dedicated to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmad Abul Gheit, or Minister of the Interior Habib El-Aadly, in addition to many other politicians. Shaabola continued to say that whenever any incident takes place, such as the recent soar in prices or the strikes headed by many employees, news emerge saying that he would sing a song of such incidents.
Shaabola then came to mention that he has absolutely no idea who spreads such rumors.
On the other hand, Shaabola maintained that he finished recording a new song entitled (Bakrah Israel W Hafdal Akraha), written by Islam Khalil and composed by Shaabola himself. The theme of the song is the issue of the unpatriotic youth who travel to Israel and marry Israeli women to live with there. The song was recorded inside Shaabola's own studio that was established to record Shaabola's songs solely.
The song is to be filmed within the upcoming days with director Alaa El-Shazly, and is to be dedicated to all music and satellite channels for free.

Carole Samaha breaks all records

Lebanese artist Carole Samaha hosted a live concert at the Emigrants Celebration Festival that was held at the “Thohoor Shwair” in Lebanon. More than 10 thousand fans visiting Lebanon came to see and listen to her beautiful voice and surrounded the stage.
This was Carole’s first participation in the festival. Unlike the previous years, Carole’s presence broke all records of the festival’s history since it was started with the largest numbers of loyal fans.

Razan Maghribi fired from an Egyptian drama series

The famous Lebanese television host and now singer/ actress Razan Al Maghribi was shocked after she was fired from taking a role in the new television drama series “Hawaket Boat” , which was a decision made by the director Ahmad Al Badri. Al Badri made his decision after a new regulation passed by Ashraf Zaki, head of the Egyptian Artist Association, stating that one permit is given for a non-Egyptian actor or actress annually to star in an Egyptian drama. Razan had gotten permission to star in another drama series “Ada Al Nahar”; therefore, she can’t use that permit for second drama series.

Hosny: I’m not a Dervish, Hamaqy Slandered Me

I know some are jealous of my success. They just try to keep me down. But I don’t care. I know what I do is what makes people really happy, which is how I talk back, said Tamer Hosny.

“They were jealous because I was hand-picked to sing for World Economic Forum in Sharm Al Sheik. They even tried to drive a wedge between gracious preacher Amr Khaled and me…I’m not Khaled’s official singer, meaning not all what Khaled has to say I take for granted, by default. I’m just a singer whom Khaled employed to sing his programs, Al Jannah Fee Butuna (Paradise At Home), opening.

Khaled is a dear friend who stood by my side during my crisis. Try to stand up to that,’ he used to tell me. Since then, I try to be as (religiously committed) as possible at work and in personal life.”

Hosny defended his Omar and Salma, too. “I didn’t kiss anybody. She [May Ezz Al Din] didn’t wear a bikini. All we did was just a ‘light hug,’ something you’d certainly find in a romance movie. It’s not acceptable, I think, to stand at an arm’s length when you talk to your babe.” Hosny also denied being a “dervish” after jail. I’ve came closer to God, though. In jail, I used to recite Quran, pray a lot, and still do, but not that I’ve turned into a dervish.”

More, Hosny denied being relinquished by producer Nasr Mahrous for $12 million and said he would not leave Mahrous for more. “So far, I work without a contract…I’d not leave him [Mahrous] because he backed me.”

On his argue with singer star Mohamed Hamaqy, Hosny said that Hamaqy attacked and slandered him. “I used to love him but we no longer communicate. Honestly, he’s much less popular than me.

“I’ve recorded only three episodes for Melody Music. My dad, mom, brother and band – all have been interviewed. Some critics and music composers are interviewed as well. In fact, I’ve signed my contract with Melody after I came out of jail and even before [Amr] Diab thought of recording his singing career,” Hosny dismissed following Diab’s lead.

Boshkash earns over 6m EGP in opening week, Saad relieved

Overall box office for super comedian Mohamed Saad’s latest movie, Boshkash has reached 6 million and 200 thousand EGP in its first in about 70 theatres around Cairo and other provinces.
Saad was deeply relieved at this news, having been extremely anxious – prior to the movie’s release earlier this month – to the point of cancelling his trip to Sharm El Sheikh where he was due to spend summer vacation with family; staying in Cairo would allow him to closely monitor box office and interact physically with moviegoers to gauge audience responses through field tours, in a unique promotion effort he is known for.
Saad is said to extend this effort to provincial theatres, accompanied by friends from outside the professional community.
Residents of Cairo’s quarter Sayyida Zeinab, where Saad used to live in the past, were surprised by Saad making an appearance and sacrificing sheep for the poor of the quarter, a charitable ritual which he used to do over the past seven years but exclusively during Al Adha (Sacrifice) Feast.
Saad had had received hard blows in the past two seasons, when Katkoot and Karkar failed to reach revenues made by his earlier spinoffs.

Ahmad Izz back on television

The young Egyptian actor Ahmad Iz will return to the small screen as a guest of honor on the new television drama series “Sit-Koom,” directed by Amro Qorah and Amro Arfah, his first television series.
Ahmad Iz appears as a young woman’s hair dresser. He becomes involved with a young woman who is not particularly beautiful but is crazy about her. The new television series will be aired on satellite channels this upcoming Ramadan season.

Cabaret Sequel Next Summer

Following huge success since premier this summer, Cabaret’s producer, Al Sobky Group, has decided on a sequel next summer.
Director Sameh Abdel Aziz and scriptwriter Ahmed Abdullah are to set up a series of workshops in order to discuss new cast instead of group killed in original, after an Islamist group exploded Jumana Murad, Fathy Abdel Wahab, Donya Samir Ghanim, Salah Abdullah, Magid Al Kidwany and others.
Characters who escaped death in original, such as Ahmed Bidair, May Kassab and Khaled Al Sawy, are planned to show up in sequel. Al Sobky has set 10 million Egyptian pounds for sequel, two and half million more than original.

Cabaret has been shown recently at Somoha Sports Club, Alexandria under auspices of Governor Adel Labib. Stars and movie makers were present.

Cabaret was also shown, only couple of days previous to closing of, Author’s Cinema Fourteenth Festival in Rabat, Morocco at Mohamed V Theater. Cabaret received wide acclaim.

Cabaret is planned to tour a number of Arab countries including UAE.

Al Khamisy: Nobody Threatened Me

City’s buzz: Hany Said, former Ismaili and current Zamalek player, Abd El.Monsef and his wife actress Leqaa Al Khamisy.
Rumors have it Abdel Monsef (Zamalek Club goal keeper) has attacked Said, helped by others, to help transfer Said to Al Ahly. Said denied all rumors in investigations, notwithstanding contact with Zamalek and his participation in last Zamalek vs. Al Ahly.
“That’s really odd. I never interfere with my husband’s business affairs. Plus, Hany has announced time and again I am out of question,” said Al Khamisy in an interview.
“Nobody whatsoever has threatened me. That’s at best bogus.”

Yousef Shahine's Death

The 82-year-old Egyptian International director Youssef Chahine, died today Sunday at the Armed Forces hospital in Cairo.
The late Chahine was transferred back to Cairo after the recent operation he underwent in France due to a brain haemorrhage.

Youssef Chahine was born in January 25th of the year 1926, he lived & was raised in Alexandria, and like most of the families residing in Alexandria at that period of time, there were five different languages spoken at Chahine’s home.
Despite being a member of the middle-class society, Chahine was tutored in private schools such as “Victoria College”, till he obtained his high school diploma (Thanaweya Amma).
After just one year in the faculty of Alexandria, Chahine moved to the U.S.A, and spent two years in the “Pasadena Playhouse” studying Film Making & Drama.
Youssef Chahine expressed his political ideas through his movies, he was against terrorism, and the Islamic extremists. After his return to Egypt, the cinematographer “Alvisi Orfanelli” helped him getting into the film making industry.
Chahine’s first movie was “Baba Amin” (Papa Amin) in 1950. A year after “Baba Amin”, his movie “Ibn El-Nile” (Son of the Nile) participated in Cannes Film Festival.
In 1970, he won the Golden Prize at the Carthage Film Festival, he also won the Silver Bear Prize in Berlin for his movie “Eskendereya leih?” (Alexandria..why?) (1978), which was the first of a four movies series depicting his own biography.
The other three movies are “Hadouta Masreya” (An Egyptian Tale) (1982), “Eskendereya Kaman w Kaman” (Alexandria Again & Again) (1990), and “Eskendereya – New York” (Alexandria – New York) (2004).
In 1992, “Jacques LaSalle” offered Chahine the opportunity to perform a theatrical play of his choice at the “Comedie Française”. Chahine chose to present Albert Camus’ “Caligula” which was a great hit.
At that same year, he started writing the script of the movie “Al-Mouhager” (The Immigrant) (1994). His wish of creating this movie finally came to life in the year 1994. Chahine appeared as an actor in many of his movies such as “Bab El-Hadid” (El-Hadid Gate), and “Eskendereya Kaman w Kaman” (Alexandria Again & Again).
In 1997, after 46 years and 5 previous invitations, Chahine received the 50th annual lifetime achievement award at the Cannes Film Festival, for his movie “Al-Massir” (The Destiny) (1997). He received the “Insigne d'officier dans l'ordre national de la legion d'honneur” from France in 2006.
Youssef Chahine had had multiple cerebral hemorrhages in the night of June 15th 2008, and in June 16th, he went into a coma due to a cerebral bleeding, and he was then moved to ‘Al-Shorouq” hospital in Cairo.
The physicians of the 82-year-old director stated that he was in a deep coma and that his status was “critical”.
Khaled Youssef, the co-director of Chahine’s movie “Heya Fawda” (Is It Chaos?), demanded that Chahine should be transported to France or England by a private jet in order to receive medication there.
Khaled Youssef confirmed that according to doctors, Youssef Chahine’s case requires his transfer abroad. Later that day, Chahine was transported to Paris on a private German Medical-Aid jet where he was admitted in the American hospital in the French capital.
Youssef Chahine is known for opposing the censorship, the extremism, the Egyptian government and the Islamists. Chahine, had always considered himself to be a part of the Egyptian Liberal generation that still struggles against the conservative censorship, either from the country or from the society.

Laila Elwy starring in Al Haya Helwa

Producer Hussein Al Qula has finally settled on Laila Elwy to star in his latest film Al Haya Helwa (Life is Good) after Hend Sabry and Menah Shalaby declined Al Qula's offer.
Elwy has reportedly agreed with Al Qula on an EGP 400,000 pay. Also starring in Helwa are: Basma, Bushra, Farah Youssef, Bassem Samra, Eiad Nassar and Ahmed Hatem. Shooting is expected to start next August, ten days ahead of Ramadan when shooting stops and resumes second half of Ramadan.
Al Haya Helwa is Yasser Heweidy's first feature film, after a long career directing short films and acting as Assistant Director to Khairy Beshara, Osama Fouzy and others. Helwa is written by Gamal Sedqy, who won, along with Dawood Abdel Sayed, Sawiris Foundation Script Prize last year.
It features the story of four women living in the same neighborhood guided by eldest Awatef

Adeeb ignores Ruby on Baby Doll’s exclusive

Actors and guests in Lailat Al Baby Doll’s (Baby Doll Night) exclusive showing Wednesday at Good News did not miss director Adel Adeeb’s disregard for Ruby. Adib, however, welcomed other stars warmly.
Among those present were Mahmoud Abdel Aziz, Mahmoud Hemida, Gameel Ratib, Nicole Saba and Sulaf Fawakhergy. Nour Al Sherief, Laila Elwy and others werewelcomed.
Mahmoud Yassin, Shahira, Lebleba and others were present too. Ruby seemed embarrassed and outraged all at once: all seemed to sneak peeks at her, which made things even worse. Journalists and satellite stations raced after Doll’s exclusive coverage pie.

Hassan We Morkos

Hassan and Morkos traces daily entangles of Hassan Al Attar, a Muslim Sheik (Sheriff) , and Morkos Abdel Shahid, a Christian Theologian who, involuntarily, exchange roles in cosmopolitan Alexandria. Hassan (and Morkos) is an attempt into an all-sensitive issue: Copt-Muslim relations in an Egyptian context. Unsurprisingly, online calls are rampant to ban Hassan because of “blasphemous” content and intentions.Though basically a comedy, Hassan’s subplot is about a love relationship between Theologian’s and Sheik’s daughter and son respectively.Hassan and Morkos stars essential box office and comedian Adel Imam and international celebrity Omar Sheriff; written by Youssef Ma’aty; produced by Good News Group; and directed by Ramy Imam.Movie Gossip: Imam now moved out to his Porto Marina villa. Rumors have it he is down due to calls to ban his movie

Lawsuit against Baby Doll’s Night producer, Thanks To Shaabula

Late pop music composer Wahba Al Shazly’s heirs, owners of Al Wady Production Company, have recently filed a record against Emad Al Din Adib, owner of Good News Group.
Al Shazly’s heirs accuse Adib of unauthorized broadcast of songs – “I Hate Israel,” “America! You America!” and “You Uncle Arab Man!” – by Shaaban Abdel Rehim in Baby Doll Night , a clear violation of Intellectual Property Rights Act 82 (2002).
According to Alaa Al Shazly, legal advisor to Al Wady Production Company, a notification was sent to Good News prior to record filed against Adib who, according to record, is claimed EGP 5 million for material and non-material damages.
Al Shazly points out “I Hate Israel” was included in Al Sefara Fel Emara (Embassy in Building) but only after a prior written permission, which does not apply in Doll’s case.

Nelly: Abl keda lost Audience

Exclusive. Nelly Karim, typically an upper middle class and romantic young woman, is almost finished with Naseem Al Rouah (Soul’s Breeze), her latest TV serial in an out-of-box role after her Ehna Etabelna Abl Keda? (Have We Ever Met Before?).

“I’m trying to escape that ‘aristocratic’ face. I think my role as a wife betrayed by her husband in Abl Keda is just this sort of innovation,” says Nelly. “[But] I also play a low-class girl who still holds on to Egyptian society’s values but who has to stand up against odds in her personal life such as her father who is in fact a fetewa (thug) – something which makes people look at her differently.”

Nelly has already played a low-class young woman in Ghaby Menoh Feah, co-starring with Hany Ramzy but she feels she is now playing differently. “All crew feels I’m a low-class girl already –but then thanks to a fabulous script. That really makes me happy. Actually, we’re doing our best so we can catch up with Ramadan.”

On lukewarm responses for Abl Keda, Nelly responds saying she is just happy about those showed interest. “I don’t think Abl Keda is an adult’s movie. Unfortunately, (For adults) was placed improperly. That’s why you no longer find (For adults) in movie billboards and ads. That actually works both ways: you get buzz and hype everywhere or you freak more conservative movie goers (especially families) who have every right to protect kids.”

“I believe I am not accountable for revenues, especially Abl Keda was screened in a bad timing. All I care about, though, is I did well.”

Ghada Abd El.razek promotes herself in a new way

A brand new way ever invented by an actress to expose herself: you call journalists and program hosts and tell them you are ready for interviews or programs.

That is exactly what Ghada Abdel Raziq has recently done. In other words, she hired Media House in order to invite journalists to interview her. Journalists should call or e-mail Media House in order to set up an interview. (Abdel Raziq’s invitation for journalists is accompanied by hot pictures for the actress.)

Abdel Raziq, who starred in Youssef’s last two movies, seems to have picked up publicity’s hype all around in order to mend her public character that was really impacted by her refusal to talk to journalists after Al Rayes Omar Harb (Chief Omar Harb) private screening.

Taim Al Hassan starts Meccano, off Ramadan race

Syrian actor Taim Al Hassan shoots his first starring role in Meccano at Studio Misr. Meccano is written by Wael Hamdy; directed by Mahmoud Kamel; produced (at EGP 8 million) by Arab Distribution Company; starring Mennah Shalaby, Khaled Al Sawy, Eiad Nassar, Rasha Mahdy, Lotfy Labib and Samira Abdel Aziz.

Meccano is about a young engineer, Al Hassan, who loses his memory but manages to adapt to his new life after his older brother Khaled Al Sawy fails to restore his memory. Events unfold as Al Hassan falls in love with a young divorced woman but decides not to tell her about his case.

However, when they get hooked up to each other, Al Hassan makes an accident, only to restore his memory and to find out a completely different life than he used to lead before.
Al Hassan has turned down an offer to star in 1-0 after he sat already with director Kamla Abu Zeikry. He has also decided to drop off Ramadan race because, according to Al Hassan, he did not stumble over a good script, one even close to his last Ramadan hit King Farouq.

Essaf's new Film and Album

Producer Company of Al Hekaya Feha Menah (Menah Must Be In It) has agreed to young singer Esaf on new duet song with young female singer Bushra, a duet both singers has video clipped as part of Menah.

Esaf has decided to include duet song in his latest release which he plans to launch in parallel with Menah, written by Mohamed Hafez and directed by Raafat Osman. Menah stars Esaf first time but also stars alongside Ayda Riyad, Lotfy Labib and Lara.

Menah is a light comedy about present generation’s aspirations, frustrations and fruitless efforts to climb up professional ladders due to older generation’s control and often unfair criticism of younger generations.