The Ministry of Culture ultimately decided that the film Safah El Tagamoa will be released in Egyptian cinemas, provided that several scenes are removed and the film is given an 18+ age restriction, according to a statement published by the ministry on 26 March.
Written and directed by Mohamed Salah Al Azab, the film was initially set for release on 19 March alongside other Eid Al-Fitr releases.
It stars Ahmad Al-Fishawy, Sabreen, Faten Saeed, Cynthia Khalifeh, Jassica Hosam El Din, Aya Selim, and others.
After reviewing the film, the High Appeal Committee at the Ministry of Culture concluded that certain sequences were “contrary to social values,” particularly scenes of domestic violence, such as slapping or insulting a mother.
The committee also objected to certain lines in the dialogue that were deemed demeaning to Egyptian women. It also instructed that several scenes of sexual violence be removed.
Following the film crew's compliance, the committee recommended that the film be released in cinemas.
Minister of Culture Gihane Zaki had issued a decree establishing the High Appeals Committee.
Ahmed El-Sobky, the film's producer, had submitted an appeal to the committee after the Bureau of Censorship of Artistic Works banned the film Safah El Tagamoa from screening.
On 20 March, the bureau revoked the film’s screening license, citing its crew's “failure to adhere to the scenario and dialogue that had originally been approved.”
Moreover, the bureau stated that the version screened in cinemas contained scenes and events absent from the authorized script, as well as a level of violence considered excessive and cruel, in direct violation of the conditions required to obtain the screening permit.
In return, the film’s director, Mohamed Salah El Azab, denied these claims, stating on Facebook that he had submitted a version identical to the one screened in cinemas.
Minister of Culture Zaki reaffirmed her support for the Egyptian film industry, while emphasizing the role of cinema in promoting social values and respect for humanistic principles.
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