Tarek Makhlouf, CEO of Unitied Media Services Company, emphasized that the “Ramadan Premiere” celebration was conceived to honor all drama creators and artistic talents in Egypt, recognizing them as symbols of creativity and the soft power of the Arab world. He revealed that the company is preparing to release 21 new drama productions for the upcoming Ramadan season.
In an interview on the radio program “Bahib El-Ida’a” with Shafky Al-Muniri on Nagham FM, Makhlouf highlighted the festival’s effort to trace the history of Egyptian drama from the inception of television in the 1960s to the present day, expressing pride in the contributions of successive generations to Arab art and storytelling.
Drama as a Mirror of Society
Makhlouf explained that preparing the Ramadan productions took an entire year, with a strong focus on topics that resonate with Egyptian and Arab audiences. “Drama is no longer just entertainment; it has become a tool to discuss social issues, guide public taste, and counter inappropriate content on social media platforms,” he said.
He added that the upcoming shows would address pressing social issues, highlight legislation and laws in need of modernization, and recount national milestones from the past fifteen years, providing viewers with insights that were previously unavailable.
Spotlight on Palestine and Social Responsibility
The CEO stressed that Egyptian drama reflects issues that concern all Arab citizens. He noted the ongoing Palestinian crisis in Gaza since October 2023, emphasizing that it is deeply present in the public consciousness. Preparations for a dedicated drama production on Gaza began last Ramadan, with the goal of delivering it at the highest artistic and technical standards.
Promoting Egypt’s Cultural and Tourism Assets
Makhlouf also discussed the role of drama in highlighting Egypt’s tourism potential, including its unique landscapes, beach resorts, and historic sites, positioning drama as an effective tool for cultural promotion. He noted that Egyptian tourism has seen a 50% increase in visitor numbers, further boosted by the Grand Egyptian Museum’s opening.
Beyond tourism, he said the company’s productions also emphasize infrastructure achievements, educational progress, and enhanced security services, showcasing Egypt’s development and stability.
Women and Emerging Talent in Drama
Makhlouf underlined the pivotal role of Egyptian women in society, affirming that female representation as leading characters in drama reflects reality rather than preference.
He also announced that talented bloggers and content creators would have opportunities to participate in select productions, provided they deliver respectful and high-quality content, demonstrating that social media can be a positive force.
“I plan to watch all 21 productions this Ramadan from the perspective of a viewer. The audience is the ultimate critic, and we always learn from our mistakes to achieve the quality that Egyptian and Arab viewers deserve.”Makhlouf concluded.
