Latest news with #AhmedFouadHanno
France 24
4 days ago
- Politics
- France 24
Renowned Egyptian novelist Sonallah Ibrahim dies at 88
Ibrahim "passed away today, leaving behind an immortal literary and humanitarian legacy," Culture Minister Ahmed Fouad Hanno said in a tribute, calling the writer a "pillar of modern Arabic literature". Born in Cairo in 1937, Ibrahim was famed around the Arab world as a chronicler of social injustice, known for his sparse, documentary-style prose and his fierce independence. His writings -- which blurred the line between the personal and the political -- captured the struggles of the Arab world in the postcolonial era, particularly those of his native Egypt. Arguably his most famous novel, "Zaat" (1992), tells the story of Egypt's modern history -- from the overthrow of the monarchy in 1952 to the neoliberalism of the 1990s under president Hosni Mubarak -- through the eyes of an ordinary, middle-class woman. It was adapted into a prime-time television series in 2013, bringing Ibrahim's scathing portrayal of power to a new generation of Egyptians in the aftermath of the Arab Spring uprising that ousted Mubarak. A dissident through and through, Ibrahim was first jailed for his leftist politics in 1959, under then president Gamal Abdel Nasser. His five years in prison would form the basis for his debut 1966 novel, "That Smell", which was initially banned. Ibrahim's renown later saw many of his works translated into English and French. In 2003, he refused to accept a prestigious literary prize from the Mubarak government charging that it "oppresses our people, protects corruption and allows the Israeli ambassador to remain while Israel kills and rapes". The last was a reference to alleged Israeli abuses in the occupied territories during the second Palestinian intifada or uprising. Among Ibrahim's most celebrated works are "The Committee" (1981), a Kafkaesque allegory of bureaucracy and surveillance, and "Stealth" (2007), a semi-autobiographical account of his childhood during World War II. Generations of Arab writers found inspiration in his minimalist style, heavy with irony and rooted in everyday life.
Egypt Today
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Today
Culture Minister Meets Mohamed Henedy and Director Khaled Galal to Launch Nationwide Theater Revival
Egypt's Minister of Culture, Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hanno, met with Egyptian star Mohamed Henedy and renowned director Khaled Galal, Head of the Cultural Production Sector, to discuss plans for launching a series of theatrical productions across Egypt's governorates. The initiative aims to kick off at Alexandria's historic Bayram El-Tounsi Theater, following its upcoming renovation, signaling a revival of iconic venues as vibrant cultural platforms. The minister emphasized that this project aligns with the ministry's broader strategy to expand access to the arts, promote cultural equity, and strengthen partnerships with top artists and the private sector—bringing state-produced theater to nationwide audiences.
Al-Ahram Weekly
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Culture ministry issues 50% student discount for museums, theatres - Society
The Ministry of Culture has introduced a 50 percent discount card for students to boost engagement with national museums, art institutions, theatres, the National Circus, and innovation centres. Culture Minister Ahmed Fouad Hanno said the initiative is part of broader efforts to expand cultural access and encourage school and university students to engage with the arts. He noted that the programme seeks to deepen students' aesthetic and intellectual awareness while strengthening their connection to Egyptian national identity. The 'Welcome Students' card will be rolled out in coordination with the Ministries of Education, Higher Education, and Scientific Research. Hanno described the card as the first step in a larger plan to integrate students into Egypt's cultural life, offering them meaningful exposure to artistic experiences and supporting young talent. He also praised the collaboration between educational and cultural bodies in making the initiative possible. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Egypt Independent
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Independent
Egypt calls for ethical standards for AI use in arts and culture during India-hosted Global Media Dialogue
Culture Minister Ahmed Fouad Hanno affirmed Egypt's commitment to preserving cultural heritage and protecting it from distortion, as well as promoting cultural justice through the integration of modern technologies. Speaking at the opening of the Global Media Dialogue during the 2025 World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), which kicked off in Mumbai, India, on May 1, he emphasized that culture and arts are essential tools for realizing development and social justice. The minister called for international cooperation to establish ethical standards for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in culture and arts, ensuring content authenticity and respect for cultural contexts, according to a press release by the Culture Ministry on Friday 2/5/2025. He highlighted the summit's importance in fostering creative partnerships amid rapid technological changes, noting that India's rich cultural heritage makes it an ideal host. He stressed that Egypt's cultural policies prioritize youth empowerment, infrastructure development and the safeguarding of tangible and intangible heritage. Digital transformation, he noted, has democratized content creation, enabling marginalized groups—especially women, youth in remote areas, and cultural minorities—to share their stories globally and enhance cultural diversity. Hanno warned of AI's potential to falsify cultural content and alter collective memory, urging global vigilance and regulatory frameworks. He concluded by praising India's hospitality and the summit's professional organization, calling it a true platform for cultural and technological collaboration. WAVES 2025 is a four-day summit with tagline 'Connecting Creators, Connecting Countries'. It brings together creators, startups, industry leaders, and policymakers from across the world. At WAVES 2025, India is also hosting the Global Media Dialogue (GMD) for the first time, with ministerial participation from 25 countries, marking a milestone in the country's engagement with the global media and entertainment landscape. WAVES 2025 witnesses the participation from over 90 countries, with more than 10,000 delegates, 1,000 creators, 300+ companies, and 350+ startups. The summit will feature 42 plenary sessions, 39 breakout sessions, and 32 master classes spanning diverse sectors including broadcasting, infotainment, films, and digital media.
Daily News Egypt
02-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily News Egypt
'El-Leila El-Kebira Everywhere' project aims to promote Egyptian heritage
Egypt's Ministry of Culture is launching 'El-Leila El-Kebira Everywhere,' a project designed to protect and promote Egyptian heritage, coinciding with the start of Ramadan. The initiative aims to bring the cultural significance of El-Leila El-Kebira to diverse audiences in schools, universities, clubs, and tourist destinations. First performed over half a century ago, El-Leila El-Kebira (The Grand Night) remains an iconic puppet show that represents Egypt's puppet art at international festivals. Minister of Culture Ahmed Fouad Hanno, emphasized the significance of the El-Leila El-Kebira operetta, stating that it remains an iconic work that embodies authentic Egyptian identity. Created by Salah Jahin, Sayed Makkawi, and Salah El-Sakka, the operetta continues to resonate in Egyptian cultural memory. 'It was essential to introduce it to new generations in various settings, as a singular artistic piece that expresses Egypt's rich heritage,' he added. Hanno also detailed a collaboration with Konouz Company to produce distinctive replicas of El-Leila El-Kebira dolls. These dolls, bearing the 'Made in Egypt' label, will soon be available for purchase, promoting a local product that reflects Egyptian identity. The Ministry's ambition, according to Hanno, is to transform El-Leila El-Kebira into a comprehensive cultural project with broad appeal, both within Egypt and internationally. Performances will be staged in multiple locations, ensuring that this unique artistic creation reaches diverse age groups and social backgrounds, using innovative staging techniques tailored to each performance and venue. Khaled Galal, Head of the Cultural Production Sector, confirmed that this project is part of a series of events celebrating Egypt's unique heritage. This includes presenting 'Kheima Hal Helalak' shows and El-Leila El-Kebira concerts across various governorates as part of the Confrontation and Touring Theatre's activities, as well as participating in Egyptian festivals and cultural weeks abroad. Ahmed Obaid, Advisor to the Minister of Culture for Investment, stated that the project's initial phase will target schools and clubs. An ambitious plan is in place to expand the performances to universities and tourist areas, with continuous shows in different locations, ensuring the broadest possible reach among the Egyptian public.
