Stars' Disputes with Producers Reach the Courts

Over the past few days, widespread disputes have erupted between several artists and the producers of their dramatic works, due to the failure to receive financial dues for their participation in various productions in recent periods and the non-implementation of contractual clauses.

The issue began with actress Dora and the cast of the series “Ithbat Nasab” (Establishment of Paternity), which aired during last Ramadan’s dramatic season. Both the Actors’ Syndicate and the Cinematographers’ Syndicate received a complaint stating that the production team had not received their remaining financial dues, despite the series having been broadcast for a considerable time. The boards of both syndicates will convene to issue a decision against the producer of the work, following a thorough investigation into the complaint. If the breach of contract is proven, the producer will be permanently banned from working in the industry.

Actor Medhat Tiha resorted to the courts to recover his financial dues from producer Awad Maher, for his participation in an artistic work three years ago without receiving his entitled payments.

Actor Ashraf Zaki intervened in the dispute in recent days in an attempt to resolve the crisis, but the matter ultimately proceeded to the courts for a ruling. Medhat Tiha obtained a court order sentencing producer Awad Maher to six months in prison. The Economic Court in Cairo has scheduled a hearing for September 16 next year to consider completing the legal proceedings, following the producer’s first hearing challenging the imprisonment order on grounds that he was accused of issuing a post-dated check without sufficient funds.