Actor Sherif Mounir expressed the reasons behind his recent absence from the artistic scene, clarifying that his hiatus wasn’t a personal decision as much as it was due to the lack of strong scripts that meet his artistic expectations and add value to his career. He made these remarks during a press interview at the Egyptian Catholic Center for Cinema Festival, where he candidly discussed his views on the current state of the art scene, especially in terms of scriptwriting.

Mounir stated: “My absence is directly related to the quality of the available scripts. There’s a significant weakness in writing, and some writers lack commitment. Many take the easy route, copying ideas from foreign shows on streaming platforms without real development or consideration for the nature of Egyptian society.” He added that this shortcut approach to content creation does not encourage him to return with projects that don’t do justice to his legacy.

He continued: “When I find a script that excites me, I’ll definitely return. But as long as nothing stimulates me artistically, there’s no reason to come back just for the sake of being present. I care deeply about the quality of what I offer — it’s my duty to the audience.”

Sherif Mounir also touched on the issue of nepotism in the artistic field — a topic that often stirs public debate, particularly with the recent influx of celebrity children into the entertainment industry. He said: “I’m against nepotism in art. If someone isn’t talented, they shouldn’t be in the industry — even if it’s my own son. Talent is more important than anything else. If my son enters this field without talent, I’ll stand against him.”

He clarified: “I’m not against artists’ children entering the field, but they need to have something real to offer. No one can impose themselves on the audience without talent. People can easily tell the difference between those with genuine talent and those relying on a name.”

Mounir emphasized that he does not interfere with his children's career choices, asserting that everyone has the freedom to choose their path — but if they enter the artistic field, real talent is a non-negotiable requirement.

On a related note, Mounir pointed out that the problems in the industry go beyond writing, affecting production and marketing as well. He said: “We see projects created just for profit, with no real substance. This has made audiences bored with certain shallow works.”

Regarding the overall artistic scene in Egypt, Mounir acknowledged that while efforts are being made, progress is slow compared to some other countries. He added: “We have incredible talents and energies, but we need a professional production system and genuine appreciation for writing, because the script is the foundation.”

He also spoke about the importance of film festivals in supporting serious art, noting that the Egyptian Catholic Center for Cinema Festival remains one of the events that truly respects the value of art and highlights cinema’s role as a tool for cultural and social change.

As for his latest projects, Sherif Mounir mentioned his most recent film appearance was in “El-Serb” (The Squadron), which was recently released in cinemas. The film stars Ahmed El Sakka, is written by Omar Abdel Halim, and directed by Ahmed Nader Galal. The cast also includes Mostafa Fahmy, Mohamed Mamdouh, Amr Abdel Gelil, Diab, and guest appearances by Asser Yassin, Karim Fahmy, Mohamed Farrag, Ahmed Fahmy, and Ahmed Hatem.

“El-Serb” covers one of the major military operations carried out by the Egyptian Air Force against terrorist strongholds in Derna, Libya. The film is filled with suspense and action, and it received wide acclaim from both audiences and critics.

On the television front, Sherif Mounir appeared in the 2024 Ramadan drama “Ba’ena Etneen” (Now We’re Two), which received a positive response. The series was written by Amani El-Tunsi, directed by Tarek Refaat, and featured a mix of rising stars and veteran actors.

Mounir confirmed he’s not in a rush to return but is seeking a project worthy of his involvement. He hopes to re-establish a genuine connection with his audience through an upcoming work.

He concluded: “I’m proud of everything I’ve done in my career, and I won’t accept returning with anything less than what people expect from me. God willing, I’ll be back soon with a respectful, worthy project.”