Latest news with #SamehHussein
Al-Ahram Weekly
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Sudden cancellation of Istinsakh private screening causes controversy
The screening of the much-anticipated Egyptian film Istinsakh, starring Sameh Hussein, was abruptly cancelled just moments before its private screening on Monday evening, causing controversy among the cinema industry and audiences. The cancellation of the private screening at a cinema in one of the malls in the New Cairo area raised questions and speculations about the reasons behind the decision. Many people in Egypt's film industry and social media users claimed that the Egyptian Censorship Authority intervened to block the screening "due to certain controversial scenes in the film." Scriptwriter and head of the Egyptian Censorship Board Abdel Rahim Kamel stated that the delay "is purely administrative" and unrelated to the film's content. He denied that the cancellation of the private screening was related to censorship issues, saying that the filmmakers had submitted a request for a screening permit and signed it with the Censorship Authority after official working hours. Per his statement, this caused a one-day delay, and the Egyptian Censorship Board would grant the permit the following day. It's worth adding that concerns linked to Censorship are additionally emphasized by the continuous postponements of the release of The Atheist (El-Molhid), initially slated for 2022. The most recent postponement, in August 2024, stirred yet another controversy. The film has not been released since. Prior to Kamel's statement, Sameh Hussein, who stars in the film, took to his Facebook page to apologize to fans and the guests who were planning to attend the private screening. He stated that the postponement was due to circumstances beyond the control of the film's production team. "To everyone coming to the private screening of Istinsakh today, I sincerely apologize. The screening was postponed due to reasons beyond our control. Thank you, and your understanding means a lot to me," he wrote. Hussein garnered significant attention during Ramadan for his popular programme, Qatayef. The programme offered educational content, focusing on human values and ethical concepts and delivering positive messages that promote self-awareness. The programme's success helped elevate Hussein's public profile and even attracted President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi's attention. During the annual Iftar banquet hosted by the Armed Forces in mid-March, while calling for a convention to discuss the future of the film and TV industry in Egypt, El-Sisi praised the programme and Hussein and stressed the importance of constructive and beneficial media. Istinsakh is a thriller that explores the complex relationship between humans and technology. The film focuses on the impact of artificial intelligence on people's daily lives, examining the challenges and consequences associated with the widespread use of this technology in various aspects of life. The film has yet to be released across Egyptian cinemas on 9 April. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Egypt Today
06-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Today
Istinsakh: A Sci-Fi Thriller Premieres on April 9
Famed Egyptian actor Sameh Hussein has announced his latest film, Istinsakh, set to hit Egyptian cinemas on April 9, with an Arab world release to follow soon. Sharing the official poster on Instagram, he teased: 'When the lines between reality and illusion blur. The official poster for Istinsakh. In theaters April 9.' Written and directed by Abdel Rahman Mohamed, the film stars Sameh Hussein and Heba Magdy in a gripping sci-fi thriller. Istinsakh explores the modern impact of technology and AI, with VR headsets redefining traditional perceptions in a world full of suspense and intrigue.
Egypt Today
19-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Today
Egypt's Awqaf Minister Honors Sameh Hussein: Celebrating Art's Role in Shaping Society
Dr. Osama Al-Azhari, Awqaf Minister, welcomed esteemed actor Sameh Hussein at the ministry's headquarters in the New Administrative Capital. The meeting underscored the ministry's recognition of the role of soft power in shaping public awareness and promoting ethical values, with several ministry leaders in attendance. During the meeting, the minister honored Sameh Hussein for his outstanding artistic contributions, particularly his impactful and widely successful Ramadan program Qatayef, which resonated deeply with Egyptian audiences. He praised Hussein's ability to create content that carries meaningful educational, moral, and humanitarian messages, reinforcing social values and enhancing public consciousness. The Awqaf Minister commended Hussein's efforts in preserving Egyptian cultural identity through his work, emphasizing that conscious art plays a vital role in enlightenment and national identity formation. He stressed that impactful artistic messages contribute significantly to shaping collective consciousness and strengthening societal bonds. He also highlighted the essential role of purposeful drama in addressing social issues, noting that Egypt has always been a beacon of refined arts that leave a lasting, positive imprint on generations. The minister reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to collaborating with intellectuals and artists to promote enlightened thought and shield society from destructive ideologies. He emphasized that when artistic works are infused with moral and educational depth, they become powerful tools for spreading awareness and fostering positive behavior. Expressing his deep gratitude for the honor, Sameh Hussein described the recognition as a badge of honor, affirming the state's appreciation for the role of art in shaping social consciousness. He reiterated that artistic work is both a message and a responsibility, pledging to continue creating content that respects the audience's intellect and aligns with societal values. Hussein emphasized that art should serve as a force for construction and development, adding that Egyptian society inherently cherishes noble values and seeks content that fosters peace of mind and well-being. He noted that meaningful artistic works leave a profound impact, helping to shape a more aware and responsible generation. At the end of the meeting, the Awqaf Minister stressed the importance of collaboration between religious, cultural, and artistic institutions, affirming that collective efforts are key to fostering a culture of progress and awareness. He wished Sameh Hussein continued success and creativity in his career. As a token of appreciation, the minister presented Hussein with the book What Happened to the Egyptians? by renowned author Galal Amin, along with the ministry's honorary shield, in recognition of his significant contributions to promoting virtues through his refined artistic vision.
Egypt Independent
18-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Independent
President Sisi praises actor Sameh Hussein's Ramadan program
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi praised actor Sameh Hussein's online program 'Qatayef,' which airs during Ramadan across social media. President Sisi joked with the actor during an Iftar party organized by the Armed Forces at a major hotel in Cairo on Monday. The event was attended by a number of military leaders, major branches, senior officials, and a host of media professionals and journalists. The President asked actor Hussein, 'Where are the Qatayef, Hussein?' To which the actor and program host jokingly replied, 'It's all been eaten, Mr. President.' Honoring Sameh Hussein, an exceptional actor The Minister of Religious Endowments, Osama al-Azhari also received Hussein at the ministry's headquarters in the New Administrative Capital. The meeting, attended by ministry leaders, underscored the ministry's interest in the role soft power plays in building awareness and strengthening moral values. The Minister honored artist Hussein in recognition of his distinguished contributions and the meaningful content he presents on his show. Hussein's program has profoundly impacted the conscience of Egyptians, touched their hearts, and is characterized by his brilliant creativity, ministry statement said. The minister also commended Hussein's efforts towards presenting educational, moral, and humanitarian messages, contributing to building awareness and promoting higher societal values. Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
