As the reactions continue about the Egyptian movie «The Lady» and the ongoing controversy around it, the Chairman of the Board of the General Entertainment Authority, Turki Al-Sheikh, debunked the allegations being circulated about his involvement in the production of the movie.
The Chairman of the Entertainment Authority issued a clarification via his Facebook account to correctly frame the recent discussions about the movie, responding to the inaccurate information circulated in some media outlets and Egyptian accounts about Riyadh Season's relationship with the production or direction of the movie.
Turki Al-Sheikh affirmed that the circulated information does not rely on trusted facts, clarifying that the role of Riyadh Season was limited to sponsorship only, and came after the movie's production was fully completed, without any intervention in its artistic or administrative details, or in its preparation and execution processes.
The Chairman of the Entertainment Authority, Turki Al-Sheikh, stated in his statement: «In reference to what is being circulated in some media outlets and accounts about the production, direction, and preparation of the movie «The Lady», I would like to clarify the following:
There is no truth to the rumors about any role of Riyadh Season in the production, direction, or preparation of the movie.
The role of Riyadh Season was limited to sponsorship only, which occurred after the completion of the movie's production, without any intervention in its artistic or administrative details.
The movie has obtained official licenses from the censorship authority in the Arab Republic of Egypt, and any comments or censorship issues - if they exist - are within the jurisdiction of the competent authorities in Egypt.
The movie is produced entirely by Egyptian production companies at 100%, where it was worked on by Egyptian production companies.
Personally, I do not have any direct relationship with this work in terms of production, preparation, or execution, nor does Riyadh Season.
Linking my name or the name of Riyadh Season as part of the movie production is inaccurate and not based on correct information.
The director, writer, stars of the movie, and the producing company are all Egyptians.
Riyadh Season was the first to honor the distinguished artist Umm Kulthum, and this is a matter of appreciation and respect, but it does not imply any connection to the production of this movie».
Professional Distinction
In conclusion of his clarification, Al-Sheikh emphasized the importance of professional distinction between the concept of sponsorship and actual production role, affirming that this clarification comes from a dedication to accuracy and respect for the audience, the cinema industry, and all related parties, placing matters in their correct context far from any confusion or misinterpretation not based on documented information.
