Photos - Head of Egyptian Acting Professions Syndicate Ashraf Zaki [bottom L], Mosaad Fouda, Head of Egypt Cinema Syndicate [bottom R]
The convention, scheduled for 22 April at the National Media Authority's (NMA) headquarters in Maspero, will bring together a diverse group of professionals—writers, directors, producers, psychologists, sociologists, politicians, and economists.
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi had called for the convention during the annual Armed Forces Ramadan Iftar banquet on 17 March, stressing the need to "incorporate authentic Egyptian values and morals into film and television," while countering content that incites violence or promotes vulgarity and deviant behaviour.
More broadly, the convention aims to explore the future of Egypt's film and television industry and assess how content shapes public perception and social values.
Prime Minister holds special meeting
On Monday, 14 April, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly convened a meeting with Ahmed El-Moslemany, Chairman of the NMA, Minister of Culture Ahmed Fouad Hanno, and members of the committee tasked with examining the industry's challenges and charting its path forward.
During the meeting, Madbouly emphasised that the committee must study the social impact of cinema and television over the past twenty years. He instructed them to draft a ten-year plan to leverage these art forms to help reshape and reinforce Egyptian identity.
Culture Minister Hanno is expected to submit the committee's report, with findings, recommendations, and proposed implementation strategies, to Madbouly within two months. The report will then be forwarded to President El-Sisi for review.
Artistic syndicates seek a seat at the table
Some in the artistic community have voiced concerns over being left out of these pivotal discussions.
Mosaad Fouda, head of the Cinema Syndicate, stressed that any effort to reform the film industry should first and foremost involve professionals with on-the-ground experience, members of the artistic syndicates.
Similarly, during a phone interview on the television program Ala Mas'ouliyaty (On My Responsibility) with host Ahmed Moussa on Sada El-Balad satellite channel, Ashraf Zaki, head of the Actors' Syndicate, also questioned the government's decision to exclude syndicate representatives from the meeting.
In response, Cabinet Spokesman Mohamed El-Homsani clarified during the same episode that the committee's goal was to establish a broad vision, and that relevant institutions would be involved during the execution phase of that vision.
Signs on the horizon
It remains to be seen how these discussions will shape the future of Egypt's television and film industries.
However, public and critical responses to this year's Ramadan programming offer some clues. At the Iftar mentioned above, President El-Sisi singled out actor Sameh Hussein's programme Qatayef for praise, emphasising the importance of constructive and beneficial media.
Qatayef features short, impactful segments—typically between 5 and 10 minutes—that convey meaningful religious and ethical messages, resonating with a wide range of viewers.
This Ramadan also saw critical acclaim for several productions that offered thoughtful storytelling and engaging social commentary. Lam Shamsaya (directed by Karim El-Shennawy) and Welad El-Shams (directed by Shady Abdel-Salam) were praised for their emotional depth and narrative power.
At the same time, other series drew criticism on social media for misrepresenting social classes or including content deemed inappropriate for the holy month. For example, Seed El-Nas (directed by Mohamed Sami) faced backlash for portraying working-class characters as loud and vulgar.
Another show, Al-Atawla (directed by Ahmed Khaled Moussa), was criticised for including explicit language and belly dancing scenes, which many viewers found out of place in Ramadan programming.
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