Good Morning entertainment lovers! 🎬🎧📺

Welcome to your weekly dose of Arab entertainment buzz! 🌟
✨ This Week in Entertainment: Where Stars Shine, Stages Erupt, and Stories Come Alive!
From global awards buzz to viral creator moments and powerful musical comebacks, this week’s entertainment landscape proves that influence today moves across screens, stages, and borders. From a Tunisian film commanding international attention on the awards circuit, to Will Smith effortlessly bridging Hollywood and the creator economy, and Sherine Abdel Wahab’s triumphant win amid personal challenges, these stories reflect how culture, resilience, and storytelling continue to shape the global spotlight.

For all the latest from the world of entertainment, follow Smashi Entertainment on Instagram, Facebook, threads, and TikTok.

🎬 Tunisian Film “The Voice of Hind Rajab” Gains Major Awards Momentum

What is it about?

• Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania’s The Voice of Hind Rajab, supported by Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Foundation, has been longlisted for Best Film Not in English Language and Best Director at the 2026 BAFTA Awards. The film tells the devastating true story of Hind Rajab Hamada, whose final calls while fleeing violence in Gaza sparked international outrage. The project boasts high-profile executive producers including Joaquin Phoenix, Brad Pitt, Jonathan Glazer, and Alfonso Cuarón.

Why it matters?

• The recognition places Arab cinema at the center of the global awards conversation, proving that urgent regional stories can resonate worldwide. It also highlights the growing influence of Middle Eastern film institutions in shaping internationally competitive cinema.

What’s next?

• The film is Tunisia’s official submission for the Oscars and has already secured a Golden Globe nomination ahead of the January 11 ceremony, keeping awards momentum strong.

MWC Doha 2025: A Historic Milestone for the Middle East

The inaugural MWC Doha 2025 made history as the first-ever Mobile World Congress in the Middle East, and it exceeded all expectations. This landmark event brought together almost 9,500 total attendees from 110 countries and territories, with 39% representing sectors adjacent to the mobile ecosystem.

The event featured nearly 300 speakers across keynotes, summits, and programmes, while 250+ exhibitors and sponsors showcased cutting-edge innovations. The 4YFN platform hosted over 100 global and regional start-ups, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in the region.

High-level participation was remarkable, with 60 delegations attending ministerial programmes representing 49 countries, including 17 ministers and 14 heads of regulatory authorities. Additionally, 11 intergovernmental organisations participated, and over 30 partnerships and announcements were signed.

MWC Doha 2025 has firmly established itself as a pivotal platform for mobile innovation in the Middle East.

🌍 Will Smith Brings Global Energy to the 1 Billion Followers Summit

What is it about?

• Will Smith was fully in vibe mode at the 1 Billion Followers Summit, dancing to Ahmed Saad’s “Mekassarat” with creator Ahmad Aburob, playing a fun letters game with entrepreneur Karen Wazen, and sharing mind-blowing global facts with Omar Farooq.

Why it matters?

• Smith’s presence underscored the summit’s growing global influence, blending Hollywood star power with the creator economy and reinforcing Dubai’s role as a crossroads for entertainment, culture, and digital creativity.

  What’s next?

• With celebrities increasingly engaging directly with creators, expect more crossover moments where traditional stardom meets digital influence on global stages like this.

🎵 Sherine Abdel Wahab Wins AFRIMA Amid Personal Challenges

What is it about?

• Egyptian superstar Sherine Abdel Wahab won the AFRIMA Global Award for Best Female Artist in North Africa for her album Betmanna Ansak, marking a powerful professional triumph.

  Why it matters?

• The win stands out as it comes during a difficult personal period for Sherine, reminding audiences of her enduring talent and cultural impact. According to official sources, she was recently taken by ambulance to a friend’s home for daily care amid mental health struggles.

  What’s next?

• As fans rally around her, attention now turns to Sherine’s recovery and potential return to music, with many hoping this recognition signals a stronger chapter ahead.

In Other News…

• Tunisian Filmmaker Zoubeir Jlassi Wins $1M for AI Short “Lily” at 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai

• Nesma Mahgoub Brings Umm Kulthum’s Classic “Ana Fi Entezarak” to Life for Al-Sett

• “Karayr” Triumphs: Arab Futurism Breaks Into Global Cinema and Eyes Hollywood

• Hiba Tawaji Receives Lebanese Cedar Medal from President Michel Aoun in Tribute to Mansour Rahbani

🏦 Something New is Coming!

We launched a Smashi Crypto newsletter in September 2025! Subscribe to it here to get the weekly updates from the world of digital assets.