Latest news with #Samaha
L'Orient-Le Jour
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Carole Samaha: I wanted a project as ambitious as my work with the Rahbani family
She has been the most discussed figure in the national entertainment scene's inner circles in recent months. A prolific interpreter of both sugary pop and passionate patriotic anthems, and an actress with a delicate filmography, Carole Samaha has made her mark with the momentum of a new millennium under the guidance of one of the founders of modern musical theater in Lebanon. The feminine embodiment of Mansour Rahbani's final elegant fantasies, the actress — one of the few divas in the variety scene to successfully merge a popular repertoire with the image of a poised artist — now, at 53, embarks on a long dreamed-of, ardently desired journey toward lightness. Alongside her concerts and recording sessions, Samaha, known for her often firm stances on pan-Arab societal changes, has also devotedly cared for her husband, who battled cancer for nearly a decade (and passed away just days before her widely discussed comeback), and watched over her young daughter who remains in Egypt, where Samaha spends most of the year. Discreet about her feelings and grief, Samaha returns to the stage this scorching July as part of the prestigious Beiteddine Festival, with "Kello Masmuh" ("Anything Goes"), an ambitious adaptation of a Broadway show by Roy al-Khoury, who two years ago also helmed the Arabic version of Chicago. Samaha answers L'Orient-Le Jour's questions. The general public first discovered you on Mansour Rahbani's stage a quarter of a century ago. Today, you're reconnecting with your first love, more than 15 years since your last musical. Why now? I've wanted to return to the stage like this for quite some time. After all these years away, I wanted this comeback to be both innovative and different from what I've previously done. The public has a rather serious idea of me, probably because I've often played intense roles throughout my career. Roy introduced me to "Anything Goes," a comedy with vaudeville elements, full of lightness — precisely what I needed right now. When I met fans or people in the industry, they often told me I was missed and that I should return. But I kept saying I couldn't find a project ambitious enough since my collaborations with the Rahbani family. My return had to be demanding, worthy of the expectations. I was impressed by Roy and Nayla's [the producer's] vision, and that's how a trusting partnership began. This project was unfortunately postponed several times due to instability in the region, particularly the war that hit Lebanon in the fall of 2024. How did you get through that period? Like all my compatriots, I lived through those months anxiously — maybe even more so, given my rather complex personal situation. At the September 2024 press conference, I was very worried about my family's well-being. I was juggling rehearsals in Beirut for the show with trips back and forth to Egypt to be with my family. This year, as everyone now knows, was especially tough for me, as if all burdens were loaded on my shoulders. To make matters worse, I had just released an album barely a week before the war in our country escalated. During war, artists' work is, of course, put on hold — and believe me, there's nothing fun or restful about that. Talking about those frustrations, which unfortunately, too many of Lebanon's cultural figures endure, how did you manage to stay apolitical despite the anger caused by the situation? Over time, you learn, with difficulty, to channel that anger you mentioned into something more constructive than simply sharing your emotions online. If all this had happened 10 years ago, I probably would have sunk into a kind of despair. Today, I believe that age and experience can help ease the pain and wounds, showing that getting angry only hurts oneself. I wrote and composed a lot in the fall, and that helped me. Because I refuse to stop creating, to stop reinventing myself and fighting. Your husband passed away just a few days before the big opening of the show, barely more than two months ago. Did you ever consider, even for a moment, stopping everything? Postponing a second time, after all we'd gone through as a team, just wasn't an option. That would have meant outright cancellation. I am someone who keeps her promises and commitments. Most importantly, I don't carry this project alone: Behind me are dozens of people — producers, dancers, musicians — who have poured their hearts and souls into it. Cancelling would have been a massive blow to everyone's energy, motivation and finances. You experienced a similar loss and dilemma — whether or not to take the stage — after your father's death. I lost my father in 1996, just three days before a show's opening. At the time, I didn't tell anyone except maybe two actors in my troupe. I was not yet famous, no one really knew me, so naturally, the news didn't make headlines like it did recently. That's how I handle things: I ask myself if stopping would help me get through hard times. My body can't bear pain forever. I allow myself to cry, to let it all out, as long as I make myself a promise to rebuild quickly afterward. On a lighter note, regarding 'Anything Goes,' a show revived many times in the US, you said you've never watched previous adaptations. Was that to avoid being influenced by an acting style that's not your own? That's how I've continuously operated. When I know another artist has already performed a role, I do everything I can to avoid watching or analyzing those performances, so I don't unconsciously compare myself to them. It's not about pride or vanity; it's the certainty that each actor must deliver something unique. I can't — and don't want to — copy another actress. I want to share my vision of the character. And I think that's what the public deserves. When your fame crosses borders and you're making an anticipated comeback, does the pressure to do well spoil the joy of being back on stage? To be completely honest, I'm more afraid of reappearing on TV than on stage. That scares me more because I'm not in a position to control everything: post-production, editing, cuts — your image and work are ultimately out of your hands. In the theater, the actor is more responsible for successes or failures. Once the lights come up, you're no longer dependent on others. Your last TV appearance was as Sabah in the biographical series ' Al-Shahroura. ' Did that make you want the distance you mentioned? One thing's for sure: I won't take on more biopics. I was brave enough to take on this role, especially since I missed acting a lot and wanted a challenge. I did it, but it doesn't mean I'll do it again. Today, I'm fully focused on my music and upcoming performances... ...which will be at Beiteddine. How does it feel to be there for the first time after last year's obstacles? This festival is a powerful symbol, an internationally renowned event that embodies the bravest parts of our nation. Over time, it's proven itself: Only the best of the best perform at its legendary palace; its programming and organization have preserved the event's authenticity and splendor. I can't wait to join the orchestra and audience. Be many! After five performances at Casino du Liban in May 2025, the musical 'Anything Goes' ('Kello Masmuh') will be staged on Wednesday, July 23 and Thursday, July 24, as part of the Beiteddine Festival. Tickets are on sale at
See - Sada Elbalad
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Aya Samaha, Ahmed Hatem Reunite for Film "Awal Laila"
Yara Sameh Aya Samaha and Ahmed Hatem are teaming up again on the film "Awal Laila." The pic marks the second collaboration between the pair after the 2024 TV series "Omar Affendi". Gihan El Shamashergy, Hatem Salah, Sayed Ragab, Entsar, and Rahma Ahmed round out the cast. It is scripted by Ahmed Badawy, directed by Sandro Canaan, and produced by Film Square. Samaha made her last appearance on the big screen in the 2024 film "6 Ayam" ('6 Days'), starring opposite Ahmed Malek. The pic hails from director Karim Shaaban, in his full-length feature film debut. Shaaban directs the pic from a script by Wael Hamdy. Sea Cinema Productions is the studio behind the film. The official logline reads:"Fate brought them back together. Can they rewrite their ending." Samaha, born on March 31, 1992, started her acting career with the 2016 film "Hepta: The Last Lecture" and received more onscreen time in the 2016 mystery TV series "Grand Hotel". In 2020, she starred in Netfix's series "Paranormal", based on Ahmed Khaled Tawfik's supernatural novel "Ma Waraa Al Tabiaa". Her TV credits also include "Malika", "Rageen Ya Hawa", "Seeb Wana Aseeb", "El Soffara", and 'Ala Bab Al-Omara'. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream
See - Sada Elbalad
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Aya Samaha to Star Alongside Ahmed Fahmy in TV Series "Ibn El Nady"
Yara Sameh Egyptian actress Aya Samaha is set to star alongside actor and screenwriter Ahmed Fahmy in the comedy TV series "Ibn El Nady." Karim Saad is directing the series from a script by Mohab Tarek. TVision is the studio behind the drama. "Ibn El Nady" is a Shahid original content that focuses on the world of Egyptian football through the life of Omar El Sheshtawy, a spoiled rich kid with a unique kind of smarts whose life takes a wild turn. The drama marks Fahmy's comeback to the small screen after two years of absence. He made his last appearance in the 2023 TV shows "Safah Al Giza" and "Sero El Batea". Samaha, meanwhile, made her last appearance on the small screen in the social-comedy TV series " El Captain ". Samaha, born on March 31, 1992, started her acting career with the 2016 film "Hepta: The Last Lecture" and received more onscreen time in the 2016 mystery TV series "Grand Hotel". In 2020, she starred in Netflix's series "Paranormal", based on Ahmed Khaled Tawfik's supernatural novel "Ma Waraa Al Tabiaa". Her TV credits also include "Malika", "Rageen Ya Hawa", "Seeb Wana Aseeb", "El Soffara", and 'Ala Bab Al-Omara'. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean News 3 Killed in Shooting Attack in Thailand
NZ Autocar
07-06-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Firms are looking at alternative energies for their fleets
Teletrac Navman recently launched its Mobilising the Future of Fleets Report: 2025 Energy Edition. It found 63 per cent of fleets are reporting customer demand as the main factor in their decision to switch to alternative energies. Over one-half (58 per cent) cited brand reputation and sustainability goals as the leading drivers in their energy transition. This suggests becoming carbon neutral is weighted towards customer perception and demand, rather than being a compliance priority. Only 29 per cent suggested regulatory pressure and government mandates were guiding their decision making. These people want their fleets and businesses to be green. Alain Samaha, CEO of Teletrac Navman said: 'Customers recognise the importance of sustainable operations and, according to our research, are making active decisions around the businesses they support based on their sustainability credentials'. Fleets are also working to optimise their current set-up. Most (84 per cent) were focusing on operational improvements rather than considering new vehicle investments. Regular vehicle maintenance (49 per cent), optimising vehicle utilisation (36 per cent), and investing in driver training (28 per cent) are some of the key areas of fleet investment cited by fleet businesses globally. That said, 61 per cent of fleets are upgrading to more fuel-efficient vehicles (48 per cent) or switching to those using alternative fuels (31 per cent). This suggests an important focus on the type of vehicle being utilised when considering carbon impacts. The larger the fleet the more advanced these businesses were in their transition. Almost two-thirds of fleets with 50 or more vehicles indicated that they were already tackling their sustainability performance. However, respondents were split on their approach. Almost half preferred an end-of-life replacement approach while nearly one-third of fleets completed a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis. The latter is important to avoid costly mistakes in expenditure and vehicle choice further down the line, said Samaha. With the shift to mixed-energy fleets continuing, almost two-thirds said that they used more than one energy type. One-third were using three or more energy sources. Specifically, PHEV and EV were tied at just under 40 per cent each. Almost half surveyed expected to transition their fleets to alternative energies within the next two years. Samaha commented: 'The push for fleet sustainability is at a pivotal moment. There is no single viewpoint on the best path forward…but many operators see decarbonisation as a strategic advantage. 'The pace and feasibility of adoption remain points of debate but access to accurate data…will be critical factors in making informed decisions that align with business needs and sustainability goals.'
Techday NZ
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- Techday NZ
Customer demand now drives fleet shift to alternative energy
A recent industry report has found that customer demand is now the primary driver behind fleet operators' transition to alternative energy sources, with regulatory pressure playing a lesser role. The 2025 Energy Edition of Teletrac Navman's "Mobilising the Future of Fleets Report" surveyed 536 fleet operators across Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States to assess the changing priorities and approaches in decarbonising business fleets. According to the report, 63% of fleets identify customer demand as the most influential factor in their switch to alternative energies. Regulation was cited by only 29% of respondents as the main influence, while 58% pointed to brand reputation and their own sustainability targets as key motivations. Alain Samaha, Chief Executive Officer of Teletrac Navman, commented on the findings: "Fleets are focusing on their own net-zero goals as a part of their corporate reputation and long-term commercial strategies, rather than just seeing it as a compliance checkbox." He added: "Customers recognise the importance of sustainable operations, and according to our research, are making active decisions around the businesses they support based on their sustainability credentials." The survey also indicates most operators are prioritising optimising existing assets over immediately purchasing new vehicles. A total of 84% of businesses reported efforts to improve their current operations. Areas of focus include regular vehicle maintenance cited by 49% of respondents, optimising vehicle utilisation by 36%, and investing in driver training (28%). Despite the operational focus, capital expenditure is not being neglected. The report reveals 61% of businesses are investing in more fuel-efficient or alternative-fuel vehicles. Of these, 48% are upgrading to more fuel-efficient models, while 31% are moving to alternatives such as electric, hybrid, or natural gas vehicles. Larger organisations with 50 or more vehicles appear to be further ahead in their sustainability journey. The data shows 62% of these operators already have active strategies aimed at improving fleet sustainability and performance. Approaches to decarbonisation differ across the industry. Four in ten fleets (42%) indicated a preference for replacing vehicles at the end of their operational life, while 46% undertake suitability assessments for their vehicles. External consultancy is utilised by only 8% for these assessments. Additionally, 30% of respondents have performed a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis—a step described by Samaha as "a crucial step to avoid costly mistakes in expenditure and vehicle choice further down the line." The growing shift towards mixed-energy fleets was also noted, with 61% of operators using more than one energy type. Of these, 32% employ three or more sources of energy in their operations. The most common alternative energy types found were plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (39%), battery electric vehicles (37%), and natural gas-powered vehicles (23%). The report found that transition progress is varied, but accelerating. Of those surveyed, 8% had already converted at least half their fleet to alternative energy sources, and 48% expected to achieve this within the next two years. This projection rises to 85% within five years. Samaha provided further comment on the industry's strategic positioning: "The push for fleet sustainability is at a pivotal moment. There is no single viewpoint on the best path forward and while concerns persist, many operators see decarbonisation as a strategic advantage." He continued: "The pace and feasibility of adoption remain points of debate, however, access to accurate data and actionable insights will be critical factors in making informed decisions that align with both business needs and sustainability goals." The survey was conducted in November 2024 and reflects a sample of medium to large fleet operators in multiple international markets.
