In this episode of The Voice Note:
A review of the film everyone is talking about Project Hail Mary starring Ryan Gosling. Is it the film that is bringing people back to the cinema? And what does that even mean?
On the 49th anniversary of his death, I celebrate and breakdown the life and career of the great Egyptian singer and actor Abdel Halim Hafez.
I particularly discuss one of his most powerful songs Qariat al Fingan (The Fortune Teller) and why it feels resonante to Arab people in 1976 as it does today in 2026.
I also look at his film Yom Min Omri the Arab reimagining of Roman Holiday and how Hafez’s version depicts masculinity in a very different way that goes against mainstream ideas of Arab maleness.
And of course, I dedicate time to his rumoured (though I totally believe it) marriage to the incredible Soad Hosny and how that made him more than icon on our screens but a real person.
Don’t forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe.
Enjoy,
Maan
