Egypt's Actors' Syndicate Bans 'Soul OFF' Series Ahead of Ramadan 2026
In a significant move that has reverberated through the Egyptian entertainment industry, the Actors' Syndicate has announced the permanent suspension of the series "Soul OFF" and has prohibited its broadcast during Ramadan 2026. This decision is final.
The suspension follows multiple warnings issued to the series' producer, Bilal Sabry, regarding adherence to the syndicate's regulations and the laws governing artistic production. Despite these warnings, violations continued.
The most notable infraction involved the hiring of blogger "Um Jaser" without obtaining the necessary permissions from the syndicate, which clearly contravenes the rules that require all hired individuals to be officially registered.
The syndicate emphasized in its statement that its primary responsibility is to protect the profession and uphold the rights of its members. It reiterated that any artistic work failing to comply with legal standards would face strict repercussions, underscoring the importance of equal opportunities and respect for artistic regulations.
"Soul OFF" is an Egyptian drama penned by Ahmed Ashour and directed by Karim Rafat, originally slated for release during the Ramadan season 2026.
The narrative centers on a once-famous singer from the 1990s who struggles to regain his prominence by collaborating with emerging rap artists, navigating a landscape filled with competition and personal challenges.
The cast features Munther Rayhana, Mirna Walid, Salah Abdallah, Nancy Salah, Tarek El-Nahry, Sherif Baher, Mohamed Suleiman, Tahr Abu Leila, Reda Hamid, Rania El-Toumi, Ashraf Talaba, Nermin Gamal, alongside rap artists such as Samir Afartu, Felix, Risha Costa, Samara, and Sadat.
The syndicate has issued a clear warning against future violations, reiterating that compliance with the law is essential for continued participation in the Egyptian artistic community.
