Ghannam told Al-Ahram Arabic that everyone involved in the production of the Sohab Al-Ard deserves high praise: the scriptwriter Ammar Sabry, director Peter Mimi, all the cast — Eyad Nassar, Menna Shalaby, Kamel Al-Basha, Adam Bakri, Tara Abboud, Sarah Yousef, etc — and the United Company that produced it.
Ghannam described those who produced the TV series as very creative and "true heroes."
The events of the series unfold against the backdrop of Israel's launch of its genocidal war on the Gaza Strip in October 2023.
Ghannam, 71, a veteran Palestinian theatre artist, playwright, and director, known for his long-standing dedication to highlighting Palestinian stories, added that the work comes amid the cruel conditions in Palestine. He highlighted that the series reflects the Arab dimension and affirms that Arabs are one people despite their different nationalities.
He pointed out that the series presents a clear political vision through strong dramatic treatment and high-quality production, especially in filming locations that simulate the reality of Gaza, which involved a large number of actors and technicians.
Ghannam affirmed that the series successfully placed Palestine on the Ramadan drama map, alongside other Palestinian works such as Nazif Al‑Turab (The Bleeding of the Soil), a Palestinian Ramadan TV series set in the fictional village of Tal Al‑Sabr near Nablus. The series blends real‑life inspiration with dramatic storytelling to reflect the political and human dimensions of Palestinian life.
Ghannam also commented on many negative remarks coming from "Zionist" viewers. "I understand the Zionist anger toward this series because they do not want our voice. I can only quote Mahmoud Darwish [famed Palestinian poet and author]: 'The invaders fear memories, and the tyrants fear songs,' from his poem On This Earth There Is That Which Deserves Life. Indeed, they are invaders and tyrants who fear memories and songs.”
He also praised director Peter Mimi for his artistry and distinctive visual rhythm and the actors for their performances.
Ghannam, whose career spans theatre and cultural advocacy and who has earned recognition for his contributions to Palestinian and Arab theatre, added: "Hats off to Menna Shalaby, Eyad Nassar, and Kamel Al-Basha, as well as Tara Abboud, Essam El-Sakka, Adam Bakri, Sarah Youssef, and Kira Ghannam,” emphasizing that they delivered refined performances reflecting the depth of the human experience in the work.
He highlighted the performance of Palestinian actor Kamel Al-Basha, saying that "he is a great, veteran, and cultured artist with a strong stance and extensive theatrical experience. Thank you for always creating a real presence in the characters you play."
Ghannam, whose lifelong commitment to Palestinian art and theatre has made him a leading voice for the culture in Arab cultural circles, stressed the significance of the project.
"This series placed Palestine on the Ramadan drama map, brought it back to the forefront, and provoked those Zionist occupiers who invade, occupy, and destroy and do not want any voice but their own, nor any vision but their own."
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