From the moment it aired, Lam Shamsiya has sparked intense discussions, and for good reason. This gripping Ramadan series is tackling one of the most difficult topics, child assault, with nuance, sensitivity, and a level of storytelling that doesn’t spoon-feed the audience. Here’s why it’s a must-watch:
1. The Metaphor of Lam Shamsiya
The title and poem by Mostafa Ibrahim are a masterpiece. In Arabic grammar, Lam Shamsiya is silent—it exists, but you don’t say it. The show uses this as a metaphor for child assault, highlighting how these horrors exist in society but are rarely spoken about.
This level of symbolism respects the intelligence of the viewer and lets the message sink in organically.
2. Protecting the Child Actor On Set
From the first episode, it’s clear that Lam Shamsiya is a heavy watch. Naturally, viewers worried about how such a role would affect Ali, the child actor playing Youssef. The creators addressed this head-on by bringing in Sara Aziz, the founder of Safe Egypt, a child protection organization.
She was present on set during all difficult scenes, ensuring Ali felt safe and supported. It’s rare for Egyptian productions to prioritize child protection in this way, and director Karim El-Shenawy deserves huge credit for making it a priority.
أثناء تصوير “لام شمسية” سلامة “علي” ،الطفل اللي بيمثل دور يوسف، وسلامة كل الاطفال في المسلسل كانت من أهم أولوياتنا.
علشان كدة، سارة عزيز مديرة ومؤسسة Safe Egypt وعضو مجلس إدارة في المجلس القومي للأمومة والطفولة كانت موجودة في اللوكيشن بتتأكد من سلامته النفسية وإنه مايمرش بأي مواقف غير محسوبة أثناء التصوير.
وتم كمان تدريب كل فريق العمل على التعامل مع الأطفال في
موقع التصوير.علي بالنسبة لنا مش شخص جاي يقول كلمتين في دور طفل، علي دور رئيسي و مهم و صعب في لام شمسية. و موهبة مصرية قوية و عظيمة تستحق الاهتمام و الفخر. و علاقتنا به و ناحيته ممتدة من قبل المشروع لبعد نهاية العرض بمدة. علي شريك و اصبح عضو في الاسرة اللي بتكبر و بتحاول تجرب و تغامر طول الوقت.
احنا محظوظين بعلي و شطارته و عائلته العظيمة اللي دعمته و دعمت موهبته و بيتابعوا و بنسقوا معانا لحظة بلحظة.
لام_شمسيةPosted by Karim El-shenawy on Monday, March 17, 2025
3. Challenging Misconceptions About Child Assault
Only three episodes in, and the series has already sparked major discussions about pedophilia—not just about the act itself but how it affects children psychologically. Some viewers criticized Youssef’s reaction, expecting his trauma to manifest differently and a direct rejection of Wessam.
But that’s the point: the show is accurately depicting a child who doesn’t fully comprehend what’s happening to him. Instead of rejecting his abuser, Youssef forms an attachment to him. The control that Wessam has over him is profound.
Only he can convince Youssef to act against his will, even when his parents fail. Even after Wessam is punished, Youssef fears for him instead of being relieved. This perfectly illustrates the psychological impact of grooming and abuse.
4. Raising Awareness for Parents
One of the most subtle but important aspects of the show is Nelly, Youssef’s mother-in-law, trying to educate herself about how an abused child might behave. Through her, Lam Shamsiya is giving parents real-life signs to look out for, raising awareness in a way that feels natural rather than preachy.
This can also be seen reflected in Youssef acting out, his attachment to one specific outfit, and his conflicted silence. The show presents these signs in different ways, making sure the message reaches as many people as possible.
5. The Show is Making People Talk
Whether it’s through spreading awareness or exposing harmful misconceptions, Lam Shamsiya is doing exactly what it set out to do—start conversations. People are debating, questioning, and learning. That alone is a massive success.
6. Powerful Acting Performances
From Nelly’s heartbreaking reaction to witnessing the assault to Tarek, the father, being in complete denial, every performance is raw and real. Even Rabab, Wessam’s wife, delivers a powerful portrayal of a woman battling depression, and her reaction to her husband being caught in the act speaks volumes.
Mohammed Shahine, who’s playing Wessam, the abuser, delivers an unsettling performance despite only ever being shown as kind.
7. A Directorial & Scriptwriting Masterpiece
Director Karim El-Shenawy made a bold choice by never showing the assault itself. Instead, we see Nelly witness the incident through a hazy glass door, putting us in the same uncertain, horrifying position as those who witness abuse in real life.
Writer Mariam Naoum’s script is equally brilliant, capturing the complexity of such a difficult subject with care and authenticity, never feeling sensationalized.
Final Thoughts
Lam Shamsiya is not just another Ramadan drama—it’s a wake-up call. It’s unsettling, thought-provoking, and deeply necessary. The series isn’t just telling a story; it’s breaking a silence that should have never existed in the first place.
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