“Safah Al-Tajammu’” is the first directorial experience of screenwriter Mohamed El-Azab. Mohamed El-Azab questions the reasons behind withdrawing the film after its release.

The film “Safah Al-Tajammu’” was withdrawn from all cinemas, sparking widespread controversy during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr movie season, only a few hours after its official premiere on Eid night.

The withdrawal surprised both the filmmakers and the audience, especially as the film was among the main contenders in the season, starring actor Ahmed El-Fishawy, and marking the first directorial venture of screenwriter Mohamed Salah El-Azab.

“A rare precedent” The decision to withdraw the film came from the Censorship Authority despite the film having previously received final approval. El-Azab confirmed that the film underwent two full viewings before being granted screening permission, considering what happened an unusual precedent in dealing with films that had already been officially approved.

El-Azab expressed his dissatisfaction on social media, stressing that withdrawing a film that had been cleared by censorship after its theatrical release is an issue that should not pass without scrutiny. He called for protecting the film industry as one of the most important cultural sectors and emphasized that regulatory standards should be balanced and clear without double standards.

“Difference in standards” El-Azab also expressed surprise at the differing standards applied to other films during the same season, questioning why films containing similar levels of violence continued to be screened without similar action. This opened the door to broader discussions and criticism regarding how censorship is implemented.

He also published the final screening license of the film, noting that it represented the last step in the official approval process, questioning the justification for withdrawing the film after its release. Meanwhile, producer and director Karim El-Subki commented that the decision raises questions about its underlying basis, especially given that the team complied with all censorship requirements and obtained an appropriate age rating before release.