Al-Gamaa, the new Ramadan mini-series focusing on the Muslim Brotherhood, is already causing quite a ruckus. The show, whose buzz managed to obscure even gossip about the cancelled Dally III, has Egyptians debating–whether on twitter or in articles, or both–what it means to create a Ramadan show, their feelings about Egypt’s largest opposition party, and, most interestingly, the truth about state security.
The Muslim Brotherhood (MB) was founded in 1928 by schoolteacher Hassan al-Banna as a social and political movement. Al-Banna was assassinated in 1949, allegedly by supporters of Egyptian Prime Minister Mahmud al-Nokrashy, who was himself killed by the Brothers after he ordered their dissolution in one of the earliest clashes between the regime and the movement. Former President Gamal Abdel Nasser’s regime systematically arrested and tortured members of the MB, especially after an attempt on Nasser’s life in 1954, which was believed to be designed by members of the MB. During President Anwar Saddat’s regime, the MB continued to be denied status as a political party. Regardless of official recognition, the MB has considerable popularity in Egypt, in part due to its extensive social work and claims to call for Egypt to be an Islamic Democracy. Still, as the government continues its crackdown on the MB, the majority of political detainees in Egypt are Islamists or members of the MB.
Al-Gamaa comes amidst a rising interest from TV producers in retelling Egypt’s history through TV, particularly during Ramadan, when the TV audience is “show-crazy” and feelings of local and spiritual identity are at a high. Last year’s ‘al-Malek Farouk (“King Farouk,” the last monarch of Egypt) was watched closely, and most audience members were surprised at what appeared to be a dramatic shift in the portrayal of the royal family; al-Malek Farouk depicted the family in a positive and sympathetic light, and celebrated their contribution to Egypt’s history.
In the case of al-Gamaa–despite compelling dialogue, beautiful cinematography, and a cast of fabulous actors–most of the reaction has been to the content. The show creates a modern day scenario around a fictional main character, a state security employee named Ashraf Helal (Hassan al-Raddad), in which to narrate the life of al-Banna.
The portrayal of the MB’s activities, written by Waheed Hamed, is both violent and conspiratorial. And while the characterization of al-Banna has received mixed reviews–the actor is very good and the club started by a young al-Banna is convincingly depicted–the MB is disdainful of the show, going so far as to threaten legal action against its creators. Perhaps this is due to the portrayal of the young al-Banna as a bully, particularly in a popular show this close to the elections.
From viewers, there is a wide cry of frustration over the portrayal of the state security. With a history of human rights violations including beatings, torture, and in-custody deaths, lines like, “Our service is only four stars, not five,” seem sarcastic. They are certainly extremely inflammatory. “With what we all know about state security, the way that Hamed has portrayed them is insulting to viewers,” explains Yara, 25, a critic of the show. “It gives the show no credibility whatsoever.”
But the show does have its fans. Sarah, 31, has seen every episode so far. “It’s very gripping,” she points out. “I’ve never been so interested in a Ramadan show. I know that it is not objective, but what Ramadan show has ever been objective?” Most viewers who are impressed by the show feel similarly. “I wouldn’t say it is an unbiased account,” explains Tamer, 32, a Ramadan TV addict. “But the story brings up very interesting points, and I like the idea of telling the story of al-Banna, even if it is Hamed’s story of al-Banna. I think it will make people more interested in looking into the Muslim Brotherhood’s history.”
Regardless of the politics portrayed, al-Gamaa succeeds on artistic levels. The impressive cast is composed of excellent actors whose performances can only be praised. Sawsan Badr executes the role off Helal’s mother elegantly, and Ezzat El-Alayli comes into his own as Mostashar Abdallah El-Kassab, a former MB member who inspires Helal to make further discoveries about the MB’s history. The invented love story between al-Kassab’s granddaughter (Yousra al-Lozy) and Helal comes across as light and mutually respectful, if, at times, its message can seem a little confused.
Eyad Nassar has yet to appear as Hassan al-Banna, but the actor playing the young Hassan al-Banna is particularly compelling. Guest appearances include famous Egyptian movie stars Ahmed Helmy, Karim Abdel Aziz, Menna Shalaby, and Amr Waked, among others.
Whatever one thinks of the message, TV producers have a winning formula with al-Gamaa. If the acting, cinematography, and drama didn’t entice viewers, the controversy did; al-Gamaa is being talked about more than any other of the many new shows on this year’s Ramadan schedule. And beyond the political content there is a very entertaining show, which in the competitive world of television constitutes some kind of victory.
