Why ‘Lam Shamsiya’ Ended with Anthem
Why ‘Lam Shamsiya’ Ended with Anthem
Director Karim El Shenawy explains the bold choice of “Islami Ya Misr” in Lam Shamsiya’s finale, sparking debate.
Massive Buzz for Lam Shamsiya
Aired in Ramadan 2025’s second half, Lam Shamsiya gripped audiences with its daring take on thorny issues, stellar cast, and polished delivery. Yet, the finale’s use of “Islami Ya Misr,” sung by Reham Abdel Hakim, stirred questions. On Facebook, director Karim El Shenawy clarified the creative decision behind this patriotic anthem’s inclusion.
El Shenawy’s Reasoning Unveiled
El Shenawy wrote, “Once a work is public, its meaning belongs to the audience—I’ve avoided commenting to preserve your interpretations.” He added, “But for ‘Islami Ya Misr,’ I owe an explanation. This was our call—no censorship or production forced it.” He stressed the choice stemmed from pride in completing a purely Egyptian project despite challenges, not external pressure as some assumed.
Audience Reactions Mixed
Acknowledging varied responses, El Shenawy noted, “Many felt the song didn’t fit—I get that. Artists envision one thing; audiences see another. I own this choice fully, no excuses.” He believes viewers deserve insight into his intent, even if they disagree, highlighting the finale as a blend of the team’s emotions, the drama’s weight, and unexpected fan fervor.
A Deeper Patriotic Message
El Shenawy revealed initial fears about tackling sensitive topics—potential backlash for “tarnishing Egypt’s image.” Yet, he argued, “True patriotism lies in honest critique, not ignoring flaws. Future generations deserve better.” The team didn’t anticipate such passionate engagement, and the anthem was a spontaneous nod to that shared victory, aiming to unite viewers in a “profoundly national” moment.
Why It Matters
Lam Shamsiya’s anthem finale reflects a bold vision, merging art and identity, and sparking vital conversation.
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