During the Armed Forces Iftar banquet on 17 March, El-Sisi highlighted the series to the high-profile attendees, praising actor Sameh Hussein, who presented the series, and emphasizing the importance of constructive and beneficial media that “incorporates authentic Egyptian values and morals into film and TV.”
Da Vinci's previous work spans plays, satirical sketches, and short stories that often explore society, religion, and identity through a mix of humour and critique. His most notable play, Life on Transit, was performed in the UAE and received widespread acclaim.
Ahram Online: How did Qatayef come to life?
Abdelrahman Heiba (AH): The main ideas of the programme simmered in my head for years; it started with childish thoughts about God and life. I could always see another perspective of the soul of religion, one that was skewed by those who use it as commerce.
Sameh Hussein, the programme’s presenter and a well-known actor, had been seeking a concept along the same lines. While our initial plan was to produce social comedy sketches, he had a clear vision: he wanted to create something with depth and impact.
Upon reading my scripts, Sameh saw a fresh angle in them — one that challenged conventional narratives and offered a new kind of discourse.
AO: And what did the series mean to you on a personal level?
AH: I started by pouring my soul into the project, scribbling down raw thoughts that could have formed 45 episodes.
I see a crisis in how we process sacred texts, shaped more by inherited myths than reflection. We mistake narration for divine approval.
Maybe I just meant to say the obvious, but when I did, it echoed. So I’m still speaking, sharing the quiet truths I once told only to myself.
AO: What were the early reactions after launching the programme?
AH: The very first reactions were somewhat mixed.
Some speculated that Sameh had “gone religious,” while others predicted an impending ban from Al-Azhar. Rumours circulated that the actor might even quit the entertainment industry altogether.
However, within days, the programme gained unexpected momentum, quickly going viral and becoming the number one trending topic on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. The rapid rise of the programme caught us off guard, especially given our modest experience in handling such sudden attention.
It was all about the responsibility. I felt we walked a tightrope; one wrong step could’ve ended it.
AO: And why do you think the programme has garnered such strong reactions?
AH: Challenging religious narratives is not just a bold move; it threatens a robust business model.
You see, in some circles, religion is treated like a franchise; some people believe they hold an exclusive right to speak in the name of faith. For them, religion becomes a tool of authority, used to enforce control and suppress alternative voices.
I won’t sugarcoat things, but when pointing at something negative, I’ll do it gently. I aimed to bridge gaps, not widen them.
AO: Some viewers suggested that the Egyptian government financially supported the series and was involved in the thematic choices. What is your take on that?
AH: It was a kind of misconception that some people took seriously after the National Media Authority recognized the programme.
But contrary to those claims, the show had an independent trajectory. It started as a ‘modest studio’ on social media and soon reached more minds and hearts than we ever anticipated.
It's a low-budget show infused with meaningful content, and it managed to succeed.
AO: Was there a particular reaction that meant a lot to you?
AH: Probably those coming from the Christian community, many praising the show. For instance, famous TikToker Joe Mousa made a video about it, saying: "It’s a calm-toned programme that could be classified as religious, social, or spiritual… It just drew me in, episode by episode."
Similar reactions continued to emerge.
AO: How did people outside the Arab world react? And has the content been translated for international audiences?
AH: News has been circulating on social media about the content being translated and attracting many non-Arabic speakers to explore Islam.
However, until now, we haven’t implemented any plans for translation, but some followers have made personal efforts.
ِِAO: What stories or themes are you most eager to tackle in the coming years?
AH: I will keep doing what I'm doing until the end. I believe I still have more to share, ideas that challenge outdated ways of thinking and break even more stereotypes about Islam and its followers.
And there are so many stereotypes. Muslims — especially Arabs — are too often equated with terrorism. But history tells a completely different story. Look at the Inquisition, the Holocaust, Hitler, Mussolini, massacres committed by Israel, and hundreds of other examples. Extremism has never been exclusive to Islam.
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