Latest news with #WeladElShams
Egypt Today
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Today
Egypt's First Lady Entissar El Sisi Honors Young Stars for Spotlighting People of Determination
In a heartfelt celebration titled 'My Family… My Strength', First Lady Entissar El Sisi honored a group of young artists whose powerful performances brought attention to the lives and challenges of people of determination. Mayan El Sayed was honored for her touching role in Helm Hayaty's story from the Ella Ana series while Heba Magdy was recognized for Eisha Be Farha's story from the 55 Moshklet Hob series that delivered a message of hope and joy for people with special needs. Mostafa Emad was celebrated for his role in Seed El Nas, and Taha Desouky received recognition for Hala Khassa. Mena Abou El Dahab was honored for his impactful performance in Welad El Shams, which aired last Ramadan.
Egypt Today
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Today
Malek and Desouky: A Friendship That Shines Both On and Off-Screen
At the opening of the Alexandria Short Film Festival, a heartfelt moment stole the spotlight. Taha Desouky honored his close friend, Ahmed Malek, with the prestigious Hypatia Gold Award. As Taha spoke with deep emotion, Malek couldn't hold back his tears — a powerful testament to their unbreakable bond, forged both through friendship and their collaboration in Welad El Shams, which captivated audiences during Ramadan 2025.
Broadcast Pro
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Decoding the Ramadan Drama Phenomenon: What Makes a Winner?
Strategic, high-impact publicity – teaser trailers, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes social media content – generates massive anticipation and translates into record-breaking first-week viewership. Ramadan drama is a cultural cornerstone, a battleground for audience attention and a litmus test for entertainment trends across the Middle East. The battle for viewership begins months before a single episode airs. Strategic, high-impact publicity – teaser trailers, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes social media content – generates massive anticipation and translates into record-breaking first-week viewership. Important new trends this year TikTok is the new Ramadan drama arena. It has emerged as the ultimate engagement driver, creating organic virality for series that leverage its power. Ahmed Malek's in-character TikTok videos as Wel3a in Welad El Shams not only trended and built excitement for the show but also drove a surge in streaming for the tracks he featured. Traditionally, behind-the-scenes content was avoided for fear of leaks and spoilers, but TikTok has transformed it into an essential publicity tool that audiences now actively anticipate. The next is a 15-episode series. The shift to 15-episode formats reached a tipping point this Ramadan, with 57% of series adopting this structure, up from 14% last year. Shorter narratives prevent mid-season fatigue, making them a preferred choice for modern audiences. This year also saw a spike in the rise of digital-first Ramadan content. Streaming platforms like Yango Play, Shahid, Watchit, Viu and TOD are no longer just alternatives to TV, they are shaping Ramadan drama consumption. This year, El Mahatta, El Sharnaqa, El Halangi and Wohoosh bypassed traditional television networks entirely, premiering exclusively on digital platforms. Impressively, we are witnessing a generational shift reshaping Ramadan drama. While legends like Nelly Karim and Ahmed El Sakka remain industry staples, rising stars such as Huda El Mofti, Ahmed Ghozi, Ahmed Malek, Taha Dessouky and Yasmina El Abd are driving fresh audience engagement. Producers are actively casting younger leads to attract Gen Z viewers, ensuring content evolves with shifting consumption habits. TikTok has also become a talent incubator, with digital-native creators transitioning to acting. This Ramadan, around 10 TikTokers from Egypt and Saudi Arabia made their acting debuts in major productions, bringing built-in audiences with them. Shari' Al Asha featured four content creators – Lama Al Kanani, Manal Al Ahmed, Maha Al Ghazal and Tarfa AlShareef – while in Egypt, influencers like Dona Emam (Athena), Malak Hassan (Montahy El Salaheya) and Amira Adeeb (3aysha El Dor) stepped into acting roles. Another important factor is music, which has become a defining publicity tool and an integral storytelling device. Nostalgic classics fuelled the emotional impact of Kamel El Adad, Welad El Shams and Lam Shamseya. Layali Al Shumisi released its original soundtrack before its premiere, embedding the series into pop culture early. Similarly, the title track for Esh Esh connected with audiences even before they met the characters on screen. What's Next? The Future of Ramadan Drama At the heart of every successful Ramadan series is a compelling story that resonates, provokes and captivates. Whether controversial, emotional or sensational, a great story is what ultimately sets a production apart. In today's entertainment landscape, cutting through the clutter requires sharp writing and a strategic approach to digital engagement. The most successful productions of 2025 mastered the art of blending strong narratives with high-impact publicity, influencer marketing and streaming partnerships. Mai Abaza is CEO of Publicist Inc., which recently released Ramadan insights report 2025.
Identity
25-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Identity
Meet the Masterminds: 6 Directors Behind This Ramadan's Hits
Just a few days separate us from the end of Ramadan — a season that felt incredibly rich, packed with captivating stories and standout performances. But it's not just the on-screen talent that deserves the spotlight. Behind every drama is a creative force making it all happen. Here's to the filmmakers and directors who brought their artistic vision to life in the most powerful and memorable ways. Shady Abdel Salam If you've watched Welad El Shams, you'll understand why Shady tops our list. His directorial vision is evident in every episode—crafting a well-structured narrative that keeps you hooked while delivering visually striking frames that heighten the whole viewing experience. Kawthar Younis She's a woman who truly understands what resonates with women everywhere. Her mark was felt this Ramadan with 80 Bako, leaving audiences waiting for the effortlessly relatable and engaging lines she brings to our screens. Khaled El Halafawi Over the past three years, Khaled El Halafawi and the on-screen family he built in Kamel El Adad have found a special place in everyone's hearts. When a connection this genuine touches the audience, it's a clear sign of a brilliant director who truly understands how to make emotional acting feel real and heartfelt. Khaled Diab He knows exactly when and where to give space to the talents he's working with—striking the perfect balance between delivering his vision and listening. That skill was on full display in Ashghal Shaqa, across both parts, where his direction brought out layered performances while keeping everything in sync with the story's rhythm. Mohamed Shakir Khodeir From the very first frame of Ekhwaty, you can instantly sense Mohamed Shakir Khodeir's signature touch. He never fails to captivate his audience with unexpected stories and bold twists. This one quickly became a favorite for many—and it's safe to say that it will stay in the audience's memory for a long time. Karim El Shenawy It's no surprise that every frame carrying Karim El Shenawy's name makes you want to applaud—but this Ramadan, it feels like he's outdoing himself. With Lam Shamseya, Karim keeps us on the edge of our seats with every episode, proving once again that he knows exactly how to build tension and keep audiences hooked. Which of these directors left the biggest impression on you this Ramadan?
Identity
21-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Identity
Ramadan Dramas, Finally Keeping It Real?
This Ramadan, it feels like drama shows are stepping up their game! Of course, no lineup is ever perfect—there will always be debates over what's a hit and what's a miss. But one thing most people seem to agree on? This year's shows are leaning into more authentic storytelling, with less over-the-top acting and cringey dialogue. Remember when it felt impossible to get that perfect mix—staying true to a story without drowning in clichés and forced stereotypes? Well, this year, it looks like filmmakers are finally cracking the code. Instead of gimmicky plots, we're seeing more natural, relatable storytelling that actually pulls us in. From Welad El Shams, El Nos, Albi We Moftaho, Kamel El Adad, and Ashghal Shaqa Gedan in the first half of Ramadan to upcoming titles like Montahy El Salaheya, Lam Shamseya, and El Ghawy, there's a noticeable shift. Social class differences—whether in high society or more traditional settings—are being explored without the usual exaggerated tropes. It's proof that the change we've all been waiting for is finally happening. Now, it's up to us to keep cheering it on and supporting the creatives making it happen. What do you think? Are Ramadan shows finally getting it right? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
