🎬 Sabry Fawaz Asks About His Photo Being Removed From “The Stories” Poster
Actor Sabry Fawaz publicly addressed Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia, regarding reports that his photo had been removed from the promotional poster of the film “The Stories” ahead of its release in Saudi cinemas.
Fawaz shared his message through his official Facebook account after being told that some individuals at MBC had spoken to the film’s producer, Mohamed Hefzy, about the poster.
In his post, Fawaz wrote that some MBC representatives had told Mohamed Hefzy that, for “The Stories” to be released in Saudi cinemas, Sabry Fawaz’s photo would have to be removed from the poster.
He then directly asked Turki Alalshikh whether this was actually a decision made by him or whether someone was using his name for a personal purpose.
The post quickly attracted attention because it presented the issue as a question awaiting clarification rather than providing confirmation that such a decision had officially been issued by the Saudi entertainment authority or Alalshikh himself.
❓ What Was the Story Behind the “The Stories” Poster?
The controversy centered on the absence of Sabry Fawaz’s photo from the poster of “The Stories” and whether that absence was connected to a condition for the film’s release in Saudi Arabia.
Further clarifications later emerged from those involved in the situation. Sabry Fawaz said that he received a phone call from Ashraf Zaki, head of the Actors Syndicate, who confirmed that the claim was not true and that no MBC official had any connection to the matter.
Fawaz later said that he was satisfied with that explanation, while expressing his respect and affection for producer Mohamed Hefzy, thanking Ashraf Zaki and expressing his appreciation for Turki Alalshikh.
The developments therefore shifted the discussion from questions about an alleged condition for the poster to later statements disputing the original account.
🤝 Mohamed Hefzy Explains the Situation
Producer Mohamed Hefzy also addressed the controversy and described what happened as a misunderstanding and a personal interpretation.
Hefzy said that he had communicated with Sabry Fawaz and discussed the matter with him.
He also apologized to Fawaz if the decision by the production company not to include his photo on the poster had been a mistake. Hefzy additionally apologized to Turki Alalshikh, stressing his respect for him and saying that Alalshikh’s name had no connection to the matter.
The later statements provided a different context for the controversy that initially emerged around the film’s promotional poster.
🎥 “The Stories”.. An Egyptian Film in the Oscars Race
Sabry Fawaz stars in “The Stories” alongside a cast that includes Nelly Karim, Amir El-Masry, Karim Kassem, Ahmed Kamal, Valerie Pachner and several other performers.
The film is written and directed by Abu Bakr Shawky, known for his work on “Yomeddine.”
“The Stories” follows an Egyptian pianist named Ahmed whose journey develops through correspondence with an Austrian friend, unfolding against a period extending from 1967 to 1984 and exploring personal experiences alongside broader social changes.
The film was also selected to represent Egypt in the competition for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film, after receiving the majority of votes in the final round of the selection process.
🇪🇬🇸🇦 Sabry Fawaz Highlights Egyptian-Saudi Relations
After the controversy was clarified, Sabry Fawaz emphasized his appreciation for the people involved and also highlighted the importance of Egyptian-Saudi relations.
His later clarification helped move the discussion away from speculation and toward the statements provided by those directly involved in the situation.
The episode also highlights the importance of verifying information circulating on social media, particularly when claims involve major institutions, public figures, or decisions that have not been officially confirmed.
“The Stories” remains one of the notable Egyptian cinema projects in the current scene, both because of its cast and its selection to represent Egypt in the Oscars race, while the controversy surrounding Sabry Fawaz’s poster image was followed by clarifications that disputed the initial reports.
💬 What do you think of the clarifications from Sabry Fawaz and Mohamed Hefzy regarding the “The Stories” poster controversy? 🎬👇
