Eid al-Adha 2025: Big stars return—between blockbuster buzz, fears of formula fatigue

Egyptian cinemas are gearing up for one of their strongest Eid al-Adha seasons in recent years, as major stars make a high-profile return to the big screen. This comes in contrast to the more experimental Eid al-Fitr season earlier in 2025, which leaned heavily on new faces and youthful risks.
The films officially hit theaters on 6 June, coinciding with the first day of Eid al-Adha. While diverse in genre and storylines, this year's lineup shares two key traits: hefty production budgets and a deep reliance on familiar A-list names. Amid the buzz, however, critics and audiences alike are asking: can these films break free from the repetitive moulds of past seasons and genuinely refresh the language of popular Egyptian cinema?
Spotlight on the New Releases
Al Mashroa X: Karim Abdel Aziz's Pharaonic Return
Leading the charge is 'Al Mashroa X,' Karim Abdel Aziz's long-awaited comeback in a visually ambitious historical thriller. Playing Egyptologist Youssef El Gamal, he embarks on a mysterious journey through Giza's tombs and the Egyptian Museum to unravel secrets behind the Great Pyramid's construction.
Directed by Peter Mimi and enhanced by IMAX visuals, the film aims to blend historical intrigue with blockbuster spectacle. The cast includes Engy Al-Moqaddem, Mahmoud El Bezaawy, and Nidal El Shafie.
Ahmed w Ahmed: Comedy in Double Trouble
Ahmed El Sakka and Ahmed Fahmy team up for the buddy comedy 'Ahmed w Ahmed,' where mistaken identities between uncle and nephew spark a series of chaotic, action-filled encounters with a criminal gang.
Directed by Ahmed Nader Galal and written by Ahmed Darwish and Mohamed Abdallah, the film also stars Hana El Zahed, Engy Al-Moqaddem, Mohamed Gomaa, and Mostafa Gharib.
Restart: Tamer Hosny Reboots Romance
Tamer Hosny returns with 'Restart,' a romantic comedy about a man trying to reboot his love life after repeated failures. It's classic Hosny fare—emotional yet breezy.
Directed by Sarah Wafik and written by Ayman Bahgat Kamar, the film co-stars Hana El Zahed, Basem Samra, Engy Ali, and Mai Kassab.
Asad: Mohamed Ramadan's Mamluk Rebellion
Breaking from his modern tough-guy persona, Mohamed Ramadan stars in 'Asad,' a historical epic set in the Mamluk era. Playing Abdul Thaer, he leads a popular uprising against the ruling elite.
Written and directed by Mohamed Diab, the cast includes Majed El Kedwany, Razan Gamal, and Ali Kassem. The film promises a socially resonant historical vision.
Darwish: Amr Youssef's High-Stakes Hustle
In 'Darwish,' Amr Youssef plays a slick conman whose carefully constructed scam unravels when ghosts from his past resurface. The film blends psychological drama with dark comedy.
Directed by Walid El Halfawy and written by Wissam Sabry, the film features Dina El Sherbiny, Tara Emad, and Asmaa Abu El Yazeed.
Ferket El Moot: Action with Ezz and Yassin
Action fans get their fix in 'Ferket El Moot,' starring Ahmed Ezz and Asser Yassin as elite operatives tackling a major national security threat.
Directed by Ahmed Alla and written by Salah El Gahiny, the film co-stars Menna Shalaby, Mahmoud Hemida, and Mohamed El Sharnouby. The dynamic between Ezz and Yassin anchors this high-octane thriller.
El Shater: Karara's Tale of Revenge
'El Shater' sees Amir Karara playing a man from Cairo's working-class neighbourhoods, seeking revenge on those who wrecked his life. A gritty story of redemption and retribution.
Directed by Ahmed El Gendy and written by Mohamed Abdel Muti, the film also stars Mohamed Abdel Rahman (Tota), Asmaa Galal, and Bayoumi Fouad.
Rocky El-Ghalaba: Donia Samir Ghanem Steps into the Ring
Donia Samir Ghanem returns in Rocky El-Ghalaba, a story of an underdog female boxer fighting against social and economic odds to reach the top.
Written by Sherif Naguib and directed by Khaled El Halfawy, the cast includes Mohamed Mamdouh, Bayoumi Fouad, and Mohamed Tharwat. The film balances humour with powerful social commentary.
Zawget Ragl Msh Mohem: Yasmin Abdulaziz Finds Her Voice
In 'Zawget Ragl Msh Mohem,' Yasmin Abdulaziz stars as a woman discovering her husband's betrayal and reclaiming her identity. The film explores feminist themes in a modern, emotional context.
Written by Sherine Diab and directed by Sameh Abdel Aziz, it features Ahmed Salah Hosny, Salwa Khattab, and Ahmed Malik.
El Gawahergy: Henedy and Mona Zaki Reunite
Comedy veterans Mohamed Henedy and Mona Zaki reunite in 'El Gawahergy,' a nostalgic marital comedy full of misunderstandings and comic twists.
Directed by Islam Khairy, the film also stars Lebleba, Ahmed Halawa, Tara Emad, and Reem Mostafa.
From Eid al-Fitr to Eid al-Adha: A Seasonal Shift
While Eid al-Fitr 2025 celebrated youthful experimentation—seen in titles like 'Siko Siko' with Karim Mahmoud Abdel Aziz, Wegz, and Mohamed Taher—Eid al-Adha doubles down on star power. It's a season shaped by high production values, tried-and-true formulas, and a push to reignite mass appeal.
Yet with this return to familiar faces comes a familiar concern: repetition. Will these films deliver fresh narratives and cinematic innovation, or simply repackage past successes under glossier packaging?
What's at Stake for Egyptian Cinema?
The Eid al-Adha season marks a pivotal moment for Egyptian cinema. Can it harness the drawing power of its stars to meaningfully evolve its storytelling? Or will it retreat into formulaic safety nets that prioritize names over nuance?
The audience, as always, will cast the final vote at the box office. But the deeper question remains: is the industry's revival found in glittering casts, or in the courage to write new stories, take creative risks, and invest in fresh cinematic voices?

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

See - Sada Elbalad

8 hours ago

• See - Sada Elbalad

Switzerland and Egypt Celebrate 90 Years of Friendship with Cultural Finale on the Nile

Basant Ahmed On the evening of 19 June 2025, the Embassy of Switzerland in Egypt hosted the grand closing ceremony to mark the year-long celebration commemorating the 90th anniversary of the historic 'Friendship Treaty' between Switzerland and Egypt and to celebrate 90 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The landmark occasion brought together more than 300 distinguished guests — including government officials, artists, business leaders, academics, media, and members of the Swiss and Egyptian communities — for an inspiring cultural celebration along the Nile. Held at the Dahab Island Palace, the celebration honored the enduring bilateral ties since the signing of the Friendship Treaty in 1934 and the opening of Switzerland's first representation in Cairo in 1935. Over the past year, the Swiss Embassy has hosted a diverse program of cultural and diplomatic events, spanning exhibitions, musical performances, film screenings, and innovation-focused forums — all symbolizing the strength, resilience, and forward-looking nature of Swiss-Egyptian relations. The event served not as an ending but as a continuation of a shared story — a sentiment echoed by the Ambassador of Switzerland in Egypt, Dr. Andreas Baum in his remarks when he noted that 'This is not a breakup party. On the contrary, it's more like renewing our vows.' The year-long anniversary program, launched with a striking Saype land art fresco near the Pyramids of Giza in June 2024, has reflected the depth and diversity of the bilateral relationship — spanning culture, economic cooperation, archaeology, sustainability, and people-to-people connections. From jazz festivals and chocolate workshops to archaeological showcases, the series of events highlighted what the Ambassador described as 'a friendship built on shared values: trust, innovation, cultural, respect and a good sense of humor.' The closing event featured an immersive artistic program, including a photography exhibition showcasing Swiss and Egyptian perspectives, a musical performance, and interactive experiences reflecting Egyptian story telling through Swiss lenses. Guests were also treated to a culinary journey blending Swiss and Egyptian flavors, while a striking visual ambiance, featuring projections, brought together a timeline depicting the chronological highlights of this friendship. In his closing remarks, the Ambassador emphasized the significance of the 90-year journey and acknowledged the continuing relevance of the bilateral partnership in addressing global and regional challenges. He also paid tribute to the individuals who made the event possible, highlighting the leadership and creativity of women who were at the heart of its organization — from artists and musicians to producers and curators. Reflecting Switzerland's enduring humanitarian values, the speech also acknowledged the ongoing complexities of the current regional context, reaffirming a shared hope that the coming decades would bring peace, dignity, justice and adherence to international law. As the 90th anniversary celebrations draw to a close, the Embassy of Switzerland looks forward to deepening its multifaceted partnership with Egypt in the years ahead — building on a legacy of cultural exchange, economic cooperation, and mutual respect. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean News 3 Killed in Shooting Attack in Thailand

Al-Ahram Weekly

9 hours ago

• Al-Ahram Weekly

Egyptian artist Dina El-Rouby explores cultural parallels in Seoul exhibition - City Lights - Life & Style

Egyptian conceptual artist Dina Fahmy El-Rouby opened her solo exhibition, From Nile to Han, at the Egyptian Embassy in Seoul this week, offering a visually rich reflection on the shared threads of Egyptian and Korean heritage. The show, staged as part of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Egypt and South Korea, brings together more than 45 mixed-media works. El-Rouby blends symbolism, calligraphy, and traditional motifs from both cultures — from ancient scripts to architectural forms — creating layered compositions that explore identity, continuity, and cultural memory. Several pieces are augmented with interactive digital elements, inviting visitors to scan the works and uncover animated overlays or embedded narratives. The opening drew a wide range of guests, including Korean artists, gallerists, diplomats, and members of the Egyptian community. Among the attendees were ambassadors from Mexico, Singapore, Pakistan, Russia, the Czech Republic, Belarus, and officials from the United States, Azerbaijan, and Tanzania. Jin Cho, deputy director-general for the Middle East and Africa at South Korea's foreign ministry, formally inaugurated the exhibition. Egypt's Ambassador to Korea Khaled Abdel-Rahman honors artist Dina El-Rouby at her exhibition opening in Seoul 'Art is the universal language that connects us all, transcending borders, time, and differences,' El-Rouby said at the opening. 'Through this exhibition, I aim to honor the shared humanity that binds Egyptian and Korean cultures together.' From Nile to Han is one of several cultural initiatives led by Egypt's ambassador to Seoul, Khaled Abdel-Rahman, marking three decades of diplomatic ties. El-Rouby is best known for fusing the visual legacy of ancient Egypt with contemporary conceptual art. Her work has been exhibited internationally, with recent shows in Paris, London, Berlin, Madrid, Prague, Dubai, and Athens. This is El-Rouby's first solo exhibition in South Korea. Artist Dina El-Rouby talks about her paintings to the art lovers in Korea Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:

CairoScene

9 hours ago

• CairoScene

Doaa El Sebaii Drops ‘Fi Hekayat' – A Pop Tale of Love & Loss

Doaa El Sebaii's 'Fi Hekayat' is a pop ballad about love, disappointment, and finally embracing solitude. Produced by OBADA Q with lyrics by Nada El Shabrawy, it hits deep. Jun 20, 2025 After a long creative journey across four producers and countless reworks, Egyptian artist Doaa El Sebaii has finally released 'Fi Hekayat', a pop ballad capturing the beauty and grief of emotional evolution. Produced by OBADA Q and written by Nada El Shabrawy, the track explores love's initial highs and its eventual fade into solitude. El Sebaii started with a melody she loved, but it wasn't until she found the right production match in OBADA Q that the track came into full focus. With a groove-heavy backbone, airy synths, 'Fi Hekayat' feels both nostalgic and forward-facing. Nada El Shabrawy's lyrics perfectly lock into the rhythm, detailing the emotional weight of failed relationships with delicate, poetic precision. The structure moves through waves of openness and pressure. In her words, the song is about 'how many times we try to find the right partner and end up with frustrating outcomes… and how it's okay to accept life without romance, at least for a while.' Visually, the track is supported by a video that captures these emotional shifts: from joy to confusion to the calm of self-reflection.