The head of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia, advisor Turki Al-Sheikh, announced a reconsideration of the production of one of the films supported and funded by the "Big Time" fund following significant controversy surrounding it. In a clarifying statement published on Turki Al-Sheikh's Facebook page, it was mentioned: "The 'Big Time' film fund was established to support and enhance content and film production in the Arab world. Given the misunderstandings surrounding the announcement of one of the films in the recent period, we would like to confirm that we have decided to reconsider the production of one of the films that were announced or to work on developing the script, dialogue, and story of the concerned film. We also hope that the group of films previously announced will meet the aspirations of the Arab viewer."
Al-Sheikh added: "This decision comes in a desire to thwart anyone who has tried or is trying to maliciously exploit the situation, as we are committed to enhancing the good brotherly relations that unite the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Arab Republic of Egypt."
Egyptian artist Ahmed Helmy sparked anger among Egyptians after Turki Al-Sheikh announced the production of a film titled "Al-Nono," featuring a comedic story about an Egyptian "scammer" in Saudi Arabia. The film depicts an Egyptian conning pilgrims during their Hajj and Umrah trips and coming to the Riyadh season to continue his scams.
Some Egyptians launched campaigns to boycott Ahmed Helmy, stating that he insults the people by trying to solidify the image of the "scammer" or "thief" as always being "Egyptian," describing this film as "a deliberate and unacceptable insult to all the people of Egypt, as Egypt is bigger than such a distorted image," according to their statements.
