Latest news with #LamShamseya
Egypt Today
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Today
Ramadan Hit ‘Lam Shamseya' Shines in the US This May
Ramadan 2025's breakout drama Lam Shamseya is coming to American screens this May. It will premiere at Colorado's acclaimed SeriesFest on May 4th. The festival, known for spotlighting standout global TV, will host the show's first episode, followed by an exclusive conversation with screenwriter Mariam Naoum and director Karim El-Shenawy. The series fearlessly tackles sensitive topics, particularly child harassment and its lasting psychological scars. It sheds light on a painful cycle—one where victims can become perpetrators—delivering a powerful wake-up call that leaves parents with much to reflect on. The series stars Amina Khalil, Ahmed El Sadaany, Mohamed Chahine, Yousra El Lozy, Ali El Bialy, and Yasmina El Abd. Lam Shamseya is written by Mariam Naoum and directed by Karim El Shenawy. Now celebrating its 10th year, SeriesFest continues to champion international storytelling—and Lam Shamseya's debut signals a rising global spotlight on Arabic-language series.
Straits Times
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Egyptian drama Lam Shamseya shatters silence on child abuse
The drama, Lam Shamseya, follows a mother whose stepson has been abused by a family friend. PHOTO: Cairo - In living rooms across Egypt, a television drama has shattered the silence around child sexual abuse, forcing a national reckoning with a subject long buried in taboo. The show, 'Lam Shamseya', follows school administrator Nelly, portrayed by leading actor Amina Khalil, as she confronts an unthinkable reality: her stepson has been abused by a trusted family friend. In a country where discussions of sex and sexual violence are often muffled by social norms, the series has ignited rare open dialogue. It has also led to a noticeable uptick in calls to Egypt's child protection hotline. 'We don't talk about these things in our culture,' said Ms Amira Abu Shady, a 43-year-old mother. 'After this show, I sat with my son and told him he can always tell me anything.' For Ms Hend Adel, a 41-year-old mother of three, the show stirred deep unease. 'It made me question everything. Who do we trust with our children?' Egyptian dramas, particularly during the peak Ramadan season, have often tackled thorny social issues like drug addiction, custody and women's struggles in Egypt's patriarchal society. But sexual abuse, particularly involving children, has largely remained off-limits due to the intense stigma associated with such accusations and the social pressure to protect what is often referred to as family 'honour'. 'This is the first time viewers have seen these experiences reflected on the screen with such honesty and boldness,' said veteran art critic Magda Khairallah. 21,000 calls for help In 2024, Egypt's National Council for Childhood and Motherhood recorded over 21,000 reports of children at risk, including cases of sexual abuse, physical violence and neglect. 'The actual number is far higher,' Mr Sabry Osman, head of the council's child helpline, told AFP. Many families fear the stigma that comes with speaking out, he said. 'So, they stay silent.' That culture of silence is precisely what drew 12-year-old Ali al-Beialy to take on the role of Youssef, the young boy at the heart of the story. 'Mr Karim told me I would be a voice for the voiceless,' he said in an interview with Egyptian TV channel On TV last month, referring to series director Karim El-Shenawy. The action in the show, now streaming across the region, unfolds after Nelly catches family friend Wissam, played by Mohamed Shahin, in a troubling embrace with Youssef. As Nelly seeks the truth, she has to push through the denial, fear and resistance even from those closest to her who are unwilling to confront the uncomfortable truth. Youssef, traumatised and confused, slowly begins to understand what has happened to him. 'People always deny that it's most often relatives who commit this abuse, they don't want to see that it's actually within the child's inner circle,' screenwriter Mariam Naoum said on a recent talk show. She insisted the series would air on national television to reach the widest possible audience. 'I wanted as many Egyptians and Arabs to see this,' she said in a Facebook livestream. According to Unicef Egypt child protection specialist Salma Elfawal, most abuse happens 'at home, schools and in the cyberspace', and stigma often prevents families from educating their children or seeking help. 'Hesitation and fear' The UN children's agency reported a direct impact from the series airing, noting a rise in calls to national child protection services during and after the broadcast. Survivors have also increasingly shared their stories online, Ms Elfawal said. This week, a real-life case caught nationwide attention as a 79-year-old school staffer was sentenced to life in prison for sexually assaulting a five-year-old boy – a rare moment of accountability in such cases. Though the show ends with Youssef regaining his voice and his abuser facing justice, the story's resolution is more hopeful than reality often allows. In 'Lam Shamseya', characters have access to legal and emotional support, a luxury many Egyptians, particularly in marginalised communities, do not share. Though Egyptian law carries severe penalties for child abuse, including life imprisonment for those in positions of authority, legal experts say many cases fail to reach court. Egypt's many street children, in particular, are among the most vulnerable, often falling through the cracks of the justice system. Even within more privileged households, few cases make it to court. 'For a case to hold up, it requires immediate action from parents,' said Ms Hala Abdel Kader, a lawyer and head of the Egyptian Foundation for Family Development. The abuse must be recent and the child sometimes needs to undergo a forensic medical examination, she said. 'Too often, hesitation and fear get in the way,' she said. AFP Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Observer
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Egyptian drama shatters silence on child abuse
Cairo - In living rooms across Egypt, a television drama has shattered the silence around child sexual abuse, forcing a national reckoning with a subject long buried in taboo. The show, "Lam Shamseya", follows school administrator Nelly, portrayed by leading actor Amina Khalil, as she confronts an unthinkable reality: her stepson has been abused by a trusted family friend. In a country where discussions of sex and sexual violence are often muffled by social norms, the series has ignited rare open dialogue. It has also led to a noticeable uptick in calls to Egypt's child protection hotline. "We don't talk about these things in our culture," said Amira Abu Shady, a 43-year-old mother. "After this show, I sat with my son and told him he can always tell me anything." For Hend Adel, a 41-year-old mother of three, the show stirred deep unease. "It made me question everything. Who do we trust with our children?" Egyptian dramas, particularly during the peak Ramadan season, have often tackled thorny social issues like drug addiction, custody, and women's struggles in Egypt's patriarchal society. But sexual abuse, particularly involving children, has largely remained off-limits due to the intense stigma associated with such accusations and the social pressure to protect what is often referred to as family "honour". "This is the first time viewers have seen these experiences reflected on the screen with such honesty and boldness," said veteran art critic Magda Khairallah. - 21,000 calls for help - Last year, Egypt's National Council for Childhood and Motherhood recorded over 21,000 reports of children at risk, including cases of sexual abuse, physical violence, and neglect. "The actual number is far higher," Sabry Osman, head of the council's child helpline, told AFP. Many families fear the stigma that comes with speaking out, he said. "So, they stay silent." That culture of silence is precisely what drew 12-year-old Ali al-Beialy to take on the role of Youssef, the young boy at the heart of the story. "Mr Karim told me I would be a voice for the voiceless," he said in an interview with Egyptian TV channel On TV last month, referring to series director Karim El-Shenawy. The action in the show, now streaming across the region, unfolds after Nelly catches family friend Wissam, played by Mohamed Shahin, in a troubling embrace with Youssef. As Nelly seeks the truth, she has to push through the denial, fear, and resistance even from those closest to her who are unwilling to confront the uncomfortable truth. Youssef, traumatised and confused, slowly begins to understand what has happened to him. "People always deny that it's most often relatives who commit this abuse; they don't want to see that it's actually within the child's inner circle," screenwriter Mariam Naoum said on a recent talk show. Naoum insisted the series would air on national television to reach the widest possible audience. "I wanted as many Egyptians and Arabs to see this," she said in a Facebook livestream. According to UNICEF Egypt child protection specialist Salma ElFawal, most abuse happens "at home, schools and in the cyberspace", and stigma often prevents families from educating their children or seeking help. - 'Hesitation and fear' - The UN children's agency reported a direct impact from the series airing, noting a rise in calls to national child protection services during and after the broadcast. Survivors have also increasingly shared their stories online, ElFawal said. This week, a real-life case caught nationwide attention as a 79-year-old school staffer was sentenced to life in prison for sexually assaulting a five-year-old boy -- a rare moment of accountability in such cases. Though the show ends with Youssef regaining his voice and his abuser facing justice, the story's resolution is more hopeful than reality often allows. In "Lam Shamseya", characters have access to legal and emotional support, a luxury many Egyptians, particularly in marginalised communities, do not share. Though Egyptian law carries severe penalties for child abuse, including life imprisonment for those in positions of authority, legal experts say many cases fail to reach court. Egypt's many street children, in particular, are among the most vulnerable, often falling through the cracks of the justice system. Even within more privileged households, few cases make it to court. "For a case to hold up, it requires immediate action from parents," said Hala Abdel Kader, a lawyer and head of the Egyptian Foundation for Family Development. The abuse must be recent, and the child sometimes needs to undergo a forensic medical examination, according to Abdel Kader. "Too often, hesitation and fear get in the way," she told AFP.
CairoScene
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Ramadan Drama 'Lam Shamseya' to Be Screened at SeriesFest in the US
The Ramadan drama heads to Colorado's SeriesFest with its first episode, followed by a talk with the creators on May 4th. Apr 30, 2025 One of Ramadan 2025's most talked-about dramas, 'Lam Shamseya', is heading to the US this May. The series will screen its debut episode at SeriesFest, a Colorado-based festival dedicated to international television, on May 4th. The screening will be followed by a discussion with the show's screenwriter Maryam Naoum and director Karim El-Shenawy. Produced by Media Hub and praised for its emotional depth and social resonance, 'Lam Shamseya' stars Amina Khalil, Ahmed El-Saadany and Tharaa Goubail in a story that explores the complexities of child abuse, motherhood and societal pressure. The series struck a chord with audiences across Egypt, emerging as a standout of this year's Ramadan lineup. The drama was developed in partnership with Egypt's National Council for Women and the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood. Earlier this month, it was officially recognised by the Ministry of Social Solidarity for its contribution to national conversations on parenting and social values. SeriesFest, now in its tenth edition, is known for championing episodic storytelling from around the world. The inclusion of 'Lam Shamseya' marks a growing international interest in Arabic-language dramas, and offers a new platform for regional stories to reach global audiences.
Egypt Today
13-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Today
Minister of Social Solidarity Honors Lam Shamseya Cast, Applauds United Media Services for Impactful Drama
The Ministry of Social Solidarity hosted a special ceremony to honor the cast of the series Lam Shamseya. Produced by United Media Services, the series aired during the holy month of Ramadan and was celebrated for its powerful social impact. The event was also attended by Counselor Amal Ammar, President of the National Council for Women, and Dr. Sahar El Sonbaty, President of the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood. The Minister of Social Solidarity Maya Morse honored Mohamed El Saadi, Chairman of Media Hub and board member at United Media Services, director Karim El Shenawy, screenwriter Mariam Naoum, and the series's stars Amina Khalil, Ahmed El Saadany, Yousra El Lozy, Kamal Abu Raya, Tharaa Goubail, Yara Gobran, Ali El Beily, and content consultant for child psychology Sarah Aziz. Other honorees included Mohamed Serry (Project Manager), Saif Gowhar (Producer), Ahmed Farghaly (Executive Producer), Ali Hossam (Art and Set Director), Ghadeer Khaled (Costume Designer), Baher Rachid (Editor), and Mina Samy (Composer). Dr. Maya Morsy presented honorary shields from the Ministry to both the heads of the National Council for Women and the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood, as well as UNICEF's representative. In turn, Counselor Amal Ammar awarded shields from the National Council for Women to the stars and creators of the series in recognition of their efforts. Dr. Morsy expressed her delight at the overwhelming success and positive reception of the series, extending gratitude to United Media Services and the entire team behind Lam Shamsia. She emphasized how the show became a powerful tool for social awareness, calling it one of the standout dramas of Ramadan — a work destined to be remembered for its precision and impactful storytelling. 'Exceptional drama is a weapon for raising awareness and safeguarding our children,' she noted. Dr. Morsy added that Lam Shamsia stirred much-needed conversations, with every scene offering lessons in ethics while respecting family values. She praised producer Mohamed El Saadi for his vision and commitment to socially impactful storytelling from the very start. The Minister also highlighted the extensive research and collaboration behind the series, involving hotlines from both the National Council for Women and the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood, as well as coordination with UNICEF and the Ministry of Social Solidarity — all of which contributed to the show's polished and authentic outcome. For her part, Counselor Amal Ammar underscored the transformative power of drama in shaping public consciousness, especially when tackling sensitive issues like child harassment — 'a silent crime that threatens the innocence of childhood and family security,' she said. She praised Lam Shamsia as an artistic masterpiece, commending its thoughtful, human approach to these complex topics. 'The show's success was no coincidence,' she stressed, 'but the result of a mature vision, skilled storytelling, and a shared dedication to producing a meaningful work.' She continued, 'We all witnessed how the series mirrored reality without confrontation, encouraging viewers to reflect and take positive action. This is the essence of drama's role in raising social awareness and inspiring change.' Counselor Ammar proudly noted that the National Council for Women had been involved from the earliest stages of development, sharing real-life cases and insights with the creative team to enhance the show's authenticity. Mohamed El Saadi, Chairman of Media Hub and board member of United Media Services, expressed his appreciation to the Minister for recognizing the cast and creators. He acknowledged the challenges of bringing the series to life, given its sensitive themes, and praised the cast and crew for their professionalism and care in handling every aspect of the project. 'Every word in the script was weighed like gold,' he said, 'which is why the series resonated so deeply with audiences. Art is the mirror of society and a force for shaping public awareness.' The creators and stars of Lam Shamsia thanked the Ministry for the honor, reaffirming their commitment to delivering meaningful content that reflects real societal issues. They emphasized that the power of drama lies in its ability to convey genuine stories that inspire understanding and change.
