This year promises to be a treasure for literature enthusiasts as screens will be graced with various adaptations. Among these, two standouts are based on the writings of the legendary Ihsan Abdel Quddous, alongside an adaptation of a piece by the iconic Tawfiq El-Hakim. However, the real surprise of the year lies in the first-ever cinematic rendition of a beloved series of novels by Dr Nabil Farouk.
Whether you’re a fan of classic Egyptian novels, international bestsellers, or beloved children’s stories, there’s something for everyone to look forward to. So, grab your popcorn and get ready to see your favourite books in a whole new light!
It Ends With Us
Leading the charge is It Ends With Us, marking the debut of a Colleen Hoover novel on the big screen, a milestone that is unlikely to be the last. The story follows Lily, who escapes a traumatic past to start anew in Boston. There, she meets Ryle, a charming neurosurgeon who seems almost too perfect. This adaptation promises to bring Hoover’s emotionally charged narrative to life in a way that resonates deeply with fans.
Bed3 Sa3at Fy Yawm Ma
Based on the 2012 novel of the same name by Mohamed Sadek, who also penned the screenplay, the film is directed by Othman Abu-Laban. It boasts a star-studded cast, including Hesham Maged, Ahmed El-Saadany, Mohamed Salam, Mai Omar, Hana El-Zahed, Mayan El-Sayed, and Hoda El-Mufti. The narrative unfolds over the happenings in a few short hours, capturing the intensity of romantic entanglements and the surprising turns these relationships take. This film is expected to be a heartfelt exploration of love and time.
Harold & The Purple Crayon
Moving across continents, we turn to Harold & The Purple Crayon, a story that has been waiting decades for its big-screen debut. Originally a beloved children’s book by Crockett Johnson published in 1955, the tale of a boy whose drawings with a purple crayon come to life. Harold is reimagined as an adult in this adaptation, with his magical abilities leading to a series of wild, creative adventures. The film stars Zachary Levi, Lil Rel Howery, and Jemaine Clement and was released earlier this month!
Ragol El Mostaheel
Between 1984 and 2009, the iconic series of novels by Dr Nabil Farouk captured the imagination of young readers across Egypt with their tales of daring intelligence officer, Adham Sabry. Over the years, numerous attempts have been made to adapt this series for film, with various actors and directors attached to the project, but these attempts have been in vain until now. Mohamed Adel Imam is set to lead this ambitious cinematic venture, which promises to be the first in a series of films based on Farouk’s works. Filming is expected to begin once Mohamed Imam wraps up his filming of Shams El Zanati.
The Umbrella Academy
Shifting gears to the small screen, the fourth and final season of The Umbrella Academy premiered on Netflix on August 8th. While previous seasons closely followed the comic-book series, the final chapter takes a different route, diverging from the original material to tie up the storylines of the Hargreaves siblings. Stripped of their superpowers and thrust into a new timeline, the group faces fresh challenges and enemies as they navigate a world without their usual abilities.
Mousem Seed El Ghezlan
Ahmed Murad continues to make waves in the literary and cinematic worlds with his novel Mousem Seed El Ghezlan, published in 2017. Murad has announced that the book will be adapted into a movie, for which he is writing the script. While details about the cast and director remain under wraps, the project has generated significant buzz, particularly given the success of previous Murad adaptations directed by Marwan Hamed.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
Another exciting Netflix adaptation, which premiered on August 1st, the series follows Pip, a high-school student turned amateur detective, as she reexamines a closed case involving the murder of her childhood friend. As Pip digs deeper, she uncovers dark secrets that challenge the official narrative, leading her into dangerous territory.
Nessit Kelmet El Ser
From the mind of Hassan Kamal comes Nessit Kelmet El Ser, a series adaptation of his novel. Initially scheduled for release last Ramadan, the series stars Asser Yassin and is expected to begin filming soon. It dives into themes of identity and memory, exploring the complex ways in which our past shapes our present.
Uglies
On September 1st, Netflix will debut an adaptation of Scott Westerfeld’s best-selling dystopian series. The story centres on Tally, a teenager eagerly awaiting surgery to make her pretty in a society where beauty is the ultimate commodity. However, she finds herself entangled in a rebellion against the oppressive system.
Beit El Qebteya
Egyptian television will also see the release of a series based on the novel of the same name by Ashraf El Ashmawy. The show, which will be presented in six episodes on a streaming platform, stars Nahed El Sebaie. The narrative is steeped in mystery and intrigue, exploring themes of heritage, power, and secrets that span generations.
