Artists rebel against entertainment TV formats

Actress Hala Sedqi will present “Nawaem w Bass” Cairo – Taha Hafez We live at an age were popular television formats such as talents shows and talk shows focus on celebrity life and work. However, a few talents folks are starting to present hard-hitting programs. Actress Hala Sedqi, who began filming her new show on MBC Misr called “Nawaem w Bass” (Females Only) is one such talent.
Sedqi was offered many hosting opportunities by more than one satellite channel but was worried about accepting them because production would be below par.
“My show looks at women’s issue, but it won’t only be that. It will also deal with a lot of other issues that have made an impact on the country at this crucial time,” she said.
“I appear with two other hosts and a speech therapist, so it’s obvious that we will all have our own ideas and points of view. When you have more than one host, it is the viewer that ultimately benefits from the varied experience on offer,” Sedqi said.
Retired singer Shahinaz Mahmoud and poet Nour Abdalla are joined by presenters Asmaa Ali and Sheem el Bassiouny to host “Sitt el Banat” (Top Girl). Focusing on women’s and social issues, the program airs on Masr 25 channel.
Actress Athar el-Hakim is also preparing to host a political program.
“The show is political and analytical and all about the January revolution, its events, development, results and the effects it has had on the Egyptian people,” she said.
Actress Taysseer Fahmy said her new political program “Kawalees el-Midan” (Backstage Pass to the Square) is her first experience as a TV host.
The program reveals how events unfolded in Tahrir Square and brings out artists’ untold stories of what happened to them there.
Comedian Hani Ramsey presents “El-Leila maa Hani” (Tonight with Hani) on MBC Misr. “The program discusses social and political issues attempting to find solutions for them but all in a satirical tone,” he said.