Latest news with #LamShamseya
Identity
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Identity
4 Reasons Why We're Excited About Lam Shamseya
Every Ramadan, certain TV series stand out before they even premiere—whether due to a compelling storyline, a strong cast, or themes that spark discussion. This year, Lam Shamseya is already generating buzz even before its release, for its psychological depth and its bold approach to sensitive societal issues. While details remain limited, the series is expected to tackle complex relationships and emotional struggles, with hints of darker themes. Here are four reasons why it's one of the most anticipated shows of the second part of Ramadan. A Gripping and Mysterious Storyline Although the full plot hasn't been revealed yet, the trailer hints at a major conflict that shakes the lives of the main characters. There's tension, emotional confrontations, and a sense of urgency that makes us eager to see how the story unfolds. What exactly happened? How will the characters navigate the challenges ahead? The mystery is already drawing us in. A Strong Cast and Crew Collaboration One of the biggest reasons for the hype is the reunion of director Karim El Shennawy with Amina Khalil and Mohamed Shahin, following their success in El Harsha El Sab3a. Their previous collaboration delivered a raw and emotional portrayal of modern relationships, and fans are eager to see how they bring the same depth to Lam Shamseya. With a talented ensemble cast and a skilled creative team, the series promises strong performances and powerful storytelling. A Fusion of Genres From the trailer, Lam Shamsiya appears to blend different genres, combining elements of drama, suspense, and emotional storytelling. This fusion keeps the series dynamic and engaging, offering moments of intensity, heartfelt emotion, and intrigue all in one. By balancing multiple tones, the show has the potential to appeal to a wide audience and keep viewers hooked throughout Ramadan. A Unique and Unconventional Ramadan Drama Since the show's announcement and the buzz around its proposition of a storyline involving pedophilia, audiences have been eager to see how it will tackle such a sensitive and complex theme. With trailers and promotional material revealing little, anticipation and curiosity continue to build. What's clear, however, is that Lam Shamseya is not a typical Ramadan series—it seeks to push boundaries and deliver deeper storytelling than what viewers are accustomed to during the season. Do you think Lam Shamsiya will be one of Ramadan's most talked-about series?
BBC News
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
The Documentary Podcast The TV drama that shocked the Arab world
Earlier this year, the Egyptian TV drama Lam Shamseya aired across the Arab world. It tackled sensitive topics, including child sexual abuse, and sparked difficult conversations in society. Faranak Amidi discusses the issues raised by this hit show with Ahmed Abdallah from BBC Arabic. If you have been affected by the issues discussed in this episode, you could speak to a health professional, or an organisation that offers support. Details of help available in many countries can be found at Befrienders Worldwide. In the UK a list of organisations that can help is available at Plus, Wycliffe Muia from BBC Africa explains why Uganda's iconic crested crane is endangered, and Mansur Abubakar, also from BBC Africa, meets one of the very few women driving kekes, small three-wheeled vehicles that people use as cabs, in the Nigerian city of Kano. This episode of The Documentary comes to you from The Fifth Floor, the show at the heart of global storytelling, with BBC journalists from all around the world. Presented by Faranak Amidi Produced by Alice Gioia, Hannah Dean and Caroline Ferguson (Photo: Faranak Amidi. Credit: Tricia Yourkevich.)
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.
