Karem and Ibrahim with Sobhi after receiving his honorary award
Last Saturday at a hotel overlooking the Nile, the National Council for Human Rights (NCHR) Cultural Rights Committee organised an awards ceremony for the 2025 Ramadan drama season.
The celebration was presented by Jasmine Taha, who welcomed on stage NCHR Vice President Ambassador Mahmoud Karem, the acting president of the NCHR after Ambassador Moushira Khattab submitted her resignation on 1 June. In a brief speech, he said: “Throughout my years of working as a diplomat at the United Nations, I witnessed closely the message and value of art when it intersects with human rights, and how it can bring about real change in societies. I saw how theatre is used to fight hate speech and how cinema raises awareness of the dangers of human trafficking. Ramadan drama, with its wide impact, represents a genuine opportunity to raise awareness, when it chooses to tell stories about human dignity and present human suffering, and the right to justice and a safe life. From this perspective, the council values the leading role of art in supporting these principles.”
Chairman of the Cultural Committee of the NCHR Ezzat Ibrahim said in his speech: “This ceremony has become a solid tradition for the NCHR as a bridge connecting it with Egyptian soft power, which is renewed every year. This annual tradition celebrates Ramadan drama, which remains one of the most significant signs of the impact of arts on the collective consciousness of the Egyptian and Arab audience. The cultural committee alongside the drama evaluation committee – which brings together renowned critics – agreed that a qualitative leap took place in this Ramadan season, which tackled new topics reflecting remarkable improvement in both screenplays and presentation. This season saw diverse themes and bold topics with high production value, enabling it to offer both visual enjoyment and intellectual value. It also introduced many young talents, many of whom are with us today, and the works stood out for their ability to address social issues with realism and courage, discussing what is often left unsaid.”
The evaluation committee is headed by critic Tarek Al-Shennawy along with members Father Boutros Daniel, Sayed Mahmoud, Mahmoud Abdel-Shakour and Hala Al-Badry.
The ceremony included a special tribute to the late, renowned comedian Fouad Al-Mohandes, for his rich artistic contributions, handing the award to his son who was present at the ceremony. The NCHR also honoured the distinguished artist Mohamed Sobhi for his exceptional career and his works that address social and humanitarian issues.
The NCHR is an independent national institution established in 2003, concerned with promoting, developing, and protecting human rights and public freedoms. The council also issues periodic reports on the state of human rights and provides recommendations to relevant authorities to support and improve the system of rights in the country.
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The first TV series awarded in the ceremony was Lam Shamseya (Elephant in the Room) for its bold topic that tackles the sensitive issue of child molestation. Present were screenwriter Mariam Naoum, child actor Ali Al-Beialy, actors Youssra Al-Louzi, Assil Omran and Yasmina Al-Abd, while director Karim Al-Shennawy who wasn’t there sent a recorded video message thanking the NCHR for honouring the TV series and apologising for his absence due to filming circumstances.
The NCHR honoured the cast of TV series Welad Al-Shams (Children of the Sun), written by Mohab Tarek and directed by Shadi Abdel-Salam, for the distinctive topic of an orphanage. The TV series featured the renowned actor Mahmoud Hemeida and the two remarkable younger actors Ahmed Malek and Taha Al-Dessouki. Present at the ceremony were Farah Youssef, Mina Abul-Dahab (who brilliantly played the role of Ebeid), Gala Hisham, Alaa Mursi, Diaa Abdel-Khalek and Mariam Al-Gendi.
Zolm Al-Mastaba (Rural Injustice), directed by Mohamed Ali, written by Mohamed Ragaa, Eslam Hafez, Hatem Hafez and Ahmed Essam Al-Shamaa – based on the story by Ahmed Fawzi Saleh – was also honoured for its courage in tackling the issue of patriarchy. Present were Riham Abdel-Ghaffour, Ahmed Azmi, Enas Al-Fallal, Mohsen Mansour and Mohamed Ali Rezk.
Another honoured TV series was Qalbi wi Moftaho (Key to My Heart), on more or less with the same topic as Zolm Al-Mastaba, bringing in the phenomenon of al muhalil (a man who serves the role of a temporary husband so that the woman can return to her former husband after three divorces, required by Muslim law). The TV series is directed by Tamer Mohsen and co-written by Mohsen and Maha Al-Wazir. Present from the cast were Aida Riyad, Mohamed Azab, Samaa Ibrahim, Tokka Hossam and the brilliant actor Diab.
The TV series 80 Bako (80K), starring Hoda Al-Mufti, was also honoured. Present were its director Kawthar Younis and the brilliant actress Intisar who said words of gratitude thanking the NCHR for their encouragement to television drama that prompts artists to tackle more sensitive social topics and maintain their enthusiasm year after year.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 5 June, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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