The Egyptian filmScheherazade, Tell Me a Story(also known as *Ehki ya Shahrazade*) offers a powerful and timely exploration of gender, power, and storytelling in modern Cairo. Central to its appeal is a diverse ensemble cast led by Mona Zaki, whose nuanced performance brings the film’s heroine Hebba vividly to life. Each actor contributes unique depth, representing a range of generations, genders, and social backgrounds. In this piece, we take a comprehensive look at the cast ofScheherazade, Tell Me a Story, examining how their performances support the film’s central themes and enhance its emotional core.
Mona Zaki as Hebba
At the heart of the film is Mona Zaki’s portrayal of Hebba, a courageous TV talk-show host focused on women’s issues. Zaki brings an impressive mix of warmth, intelligence, and moral courage to the role. She steps into Hebba’s shifting emotional landscape caught between family loyalty, professional ambition, and ethical responsibility and commands the screen with both grace and grit. Her performance holds the story together, balancing vulnerability with inspiration.
Hassan El Raddad as Karim
Hassan El Raddad plays Karim, Hebba’s husband and an editor vying for a promotion. Karim’s ambitions clash with Hebba’s agenda, leading to personal and political tension. El Raddad skillfully portrays the duality of a man torn between career interests and a crumbling marriage. His character becomes a symbol of patriarchal resistance, and El Raddad’s performance captures the tensions within Egyptian society poised between tradition and change.
Mahmoud Hemida as Adham
Veteran actor Mahmoud Hemida takes on the role of Adham, providing gravitas and emotional resonance. His character, an ally to Hebba, embodies the voice of reason and solidarity during difficult times. Hemida’s seasoned presence enriches the film’s emotional texture and highlights generational perspectives on activism and resistance.
Nahed El Sebaà as Hanaa
Nahed El Sebaà portrays Hanaa, a featured guest whose story adds layers of personal struggle to the narrative. As a woman navigating social judgment and systemic constraints, Hanaa’s journey intersects with Hebba’s important mission. El Sebaà ‘s understated and heartfelt performance lends authenticity to the film’s exploration of female solidarity.
Sawsan Badr as Amani
Sawsan Badr plays Amani, a prominent elder figure whose presence in the talkshow narrative highlights the role of older generations. Badr brings refinement and gravitas to the screen, portraying Amani with dignity and emotional resonance. Her role enriches the film’s intergenerational dialogue and adds nuance to the broader conversation around women’s empowerment.
Rehab El Gamal as Safaa
Rehab El Gamal stars as Safaa, another key guest on Hebba’s show. She embodies vulnerability and courage, and her emotional honesty anchors several pivotal scenes. El Gamal’s nuanced acting brings empathy and realism to the collective stories within the film.
Hussein alImam as Ahmed Fadhlullah
Hussein alImam takes on the role of Ahmed Fadhlullah, a character linked to the broader social commentary woven throughout the film. Imam’s performance reflects the pressures faced by middleclass male allies and highlights the social tensions caused by Hebba’s actions. Against a backdrop of shifting public discourse, his character adds emotional and sociopolitical depth.
Mohamed Ramadan as Saeed EL-Khafif
Mohamed Ramadan portrays Saeed EL-Khafif, a younger voice in the narrative whose presence brings perspective from Egypt’s newer generation. His part, though secondary, emphasizes the film’s ambition to engage multiple layers of society from youth to elders within the frame of a single story.
Supporting Cast and Ensemble
- Nesreen Amin as Wafa A guest whose journey intertwines with the themes of female agency.
- Salwa Mohamed Ali Adds richness and diversity to the women featured.
- Sanaa Akroud as Dr. Nahed Brings a professional, compassionate tone to Hebba’s show.
- Fatma Nasser as Egyptian Salma Hayek A cameo highlighting the influence of female public figures.
- Menha Batraoui, Tamim Abdou, Belal Abulfadhl, Sameh Abulghar Each brings texture to supporting roles, reinforcing the societal mosaic woven into the narrative.
Crew Highlights
The film was directed by Yousry Nasrallah and written by screenwriter Wahid Hamed. Cinematography by Samir Bahzan and musical score by Tamer Karawan further amplify its emotional and political tones. The production by Misr Cinema Company and producer Kamel AboAli ensures that the film blends dramatic storytelling with powerful cultural relevance.
The Cast’s Contribution to the Film’s Themes
Each actor inScheherazade, Tell Me a Storyenriches the film’s exploration of women’s voices, generational change, and the power of storytelling. The central dynamic between Hebba and Karim drives the narrative, but it is the ensemble made up of women of different ages, social classes, and perspectives that gives the film its emotional authenticity. Their performances highlight how personal stories can challenge institutional norms and mobilize social discourse.
The cast ofScheherazade, Tell Me a Storyis a carefully curated ensemble that represents the spectrum of Egyptian society. Led by Mona Zaki’s deeply felt performance, supported by strong portrayals from Hassan El Raddad, Mahmoud Hemida, Nahed El Sebaà , and Sawsan Badr, the film’s characters breathe life into a narrative of female empowerment, societal resistance, and the redemptive power of storytelling. Together, they transform a talkshow concept into a social mirror one that reflects both the challenges and possibilities of contemporary Egypt.
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Scheherazade, Tell Me a Story is a powerful Egyptian drama that dives deep into the struggles of women living under social, political, and cultural pressure. Released in 2009 and directed by Yousry Nasrallah, the film presents a complex narrative anchored by strong performances from a talented ensemble cast. This topic explores the cast of Scheherazade, Tell Me a Story, examining their roles and how each actor contributes to the emotional depth and impact of the film.
Mona Zaki as Hebba
Mona Zaki plays the lead role of Hebba, a bold and intelligent television talk show host. She is married to a journalist with political ambitions and finds herself caught between supporting her husband’s career and remaining true to her beliefs. Mona Zaki’s performance is intense, emotionally layered, and central to the story. She portrays a modern Egyptian woman who must make difficult choices in the face of pressure from both family and society. Her role drives the narrative and reflects the struggles of many women who try to balance personal integrity with love and loyalty.
Hassan El Raddad as Karim
Karim, Hebba’s husband, is played by Hassan El Raddad. Karim is a rising journalist hoping to be promoted to editor-in-chief at a state-controlled newspaper. While he initially supports Hebba’s television work, he gradually becomes concerned that her controversial topics especially those involving women’s rights could harm his career prospects. El Raddad delivers a performance that captures the tension between personal ambition and ethical compromise, making Karim both sympathetic and frustrating.
Nahed El Sebai as Hanaa
Nahed El Sebai portrays Hanaa, one of the women interviewed by Hebba on her show. Hanaa’s personal story, like those of the other female guests, is meant to expose the hidden injustices faced by women in Egyptian society. El Sebai’s honest and heartfelt performance makes her character memorable and deeply moving. She brings vulnerability and quiet strength to her role, helping the audience connect with the broader themes of injustice and resistance.
Sawsan Badr as Amani
Veteran Egyptian actress Sawsan Badr plays Amani, another woman featured on Hebba’s show. With her calm presence and powerful delivery, Badr offers one of the film’s standout performances. She represents an older generation of women who have endured repression but still have wisdom and strength to share. Amani’s story serves as a bridge between the past and present, showing how the fight for women’s rights has evolved over time.
Rehab El Gamal as Safaa
Rehab El Gamal appears as Safaa, one of the other key interviewees in Hebba’s program. Her character speaks out against the rigid traditions and unfair treatment she has experienced. El Gamal gives a performance that is raw and intense, helping to emphasize the emotional weight carried by women whose stories are too often silenced.
Hussein El Imam as Ahmed Fadhlullah
Hussein El Imam plays a secondary but important role as Ahmed Fadhlullah. His character represents the complex male presence in a story focused mainly on female perspectives. Though his screen time is limited, El Imam brings a notable charisma that adds nuance and dimension to the male roles in the film.
Mohamed Ramadan as Saeed El-Khafif
Before becoming a household name in Egypt, Mohamed Ramadan appeared in this film as Saeed El-Khafif. His character is part of the mosaic of voices that Hebba brings to her show. While not a major role, Ramadan’s early appearance gives a glimpse into his future potential as a performer.
Salwa Mohamed Ali and Other Supporting Cast Members
Several supporting actors help enrich the tapestry of stories in Scheherazade, Tell Me a Story. Among them is Salwa Mohamed Ali, who adds emotional authenticity in her scenes. Each woman interviewed by Hebba reveals a different facet of life in a society where power dynamics and gender roles are deeply ingrained.
- Salwa Mohamed Ali brings compassion and realism to her role.
- Menha El Batraoui plays a traditional character that challenges modern ideas.
- Tamim Abdou contributes to the film’s broader exploration of Egyptian masculinity.
- Sameh Abulghar appears as a figure of authority, providing tension to Hebba’s journey.
- Fatma Nasser known for her striking presence in supporting scenes.
Director and Production Notes
The film was directed by Yousry Nasrallah, who is known for blending political commentary with emotionally powerful storytelling. His direction allows the actors room to express subtle emotion, and his focus on the everyday struggles of Egyptian women makes the film both topical and timeless. The screenplay was written by Wahid Hamed, a respected Egyptian screenwriter with a deep understanding of political and social issues. Together, Nasrallah and Hamed created a space for the cast to shine and elevate the script with performances full of truth and urgency.
The Role of the Cast in the Film’s Impact
The film’s success and emotional power largely come from its cast. Each actor brings depth and authenticity to their character, turning what could have been a simple talk show structure into a powerful cinematic experience. Their performances connect viewers to real-life issues gender inequality, censorship, and the struggle for justice in modern society. Through their portrayals, the cast makes the audience feel anger, empathy, sadness, and hope. This is especially important in a film that relies so heavily on the spoken word, conversation, and storytelling.
The cast ofScheherazade, Tell Me a Storyis one of its strongest assets. With Mona Zaki leading a group of talented performers, the film manages to tell multiple layered stories within a single narrative framework. Each cast member contributes something essential, from raw emotion to quiet resilience. By focusing on women’s voices and giving them space to be heard, the film and its cast offer an urgent message about the power of truth, dialogue, and courage. Their performances ensure that these stories stay with the viewer long after the credits roll.