Actors Syndicate chief calls for industry solidarity as tensions grow between performers and production companies over financial rights
Ashraf Zaki, head of Egypt’s Actors Syndicate, has escalated his position in the ongoing dispute over public performance rights, calling on members of the syndicate’s general assembly to unite in defense of their rights and signaling that further action could potentially include a halt to filming.
In an official statement, Zaki described the issue as a crucial matter affecting not only individual performers or a particular generation of artists, but the broader acting community and the financial rights of performers, their families, and heirs.
A Call for Industry Solidarity
Zaki urged actors to stand together and avoid relinquishing what he described as their legitimate rights, arguing that the strength of the syndicate depends on the unity of its members and their ability to protect both current performers and future generations.
He also recalled previous moments in the history of Egypt’s artistic unions when performers mobilized collectively to defend their professional rights, referring to the historic movement surrounding Law No. 103 and highlighting the role played by late Egyptian actress Tahia Carioca.
Zaki invited members of the acting community to attend a meeting at the Actors Syndicate Club on Wednesday evening to discuss the issue and coordinate the next steps.
What Are Public Performance Rights?
At the center of the dispute is the implementation of rights associated with the public performance and exploitation of artistic works, with performers seeking mechanisms that ensure rights holders receive compensation under the legal framework governing intellectual property and related rights.
Supporters of the initiative argue that such protections are increasingly important as films, television series, and other productions continue to be rebroadcast and distributed through traditional broadcasters and digital platforms.
The issue also extends beyond active performers, with advocates emphasizing the importance of protecting the financial interests of artists’ heirs in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Growing Dispute With Producers
The syndicate’s latest move comes amid growing disagreement with production companies over the implementation of public performance rights.
A number of producers reportedly met at the Chamber of Cinema Industry and expressed concerns over implementing the law under current conditions, citing economic pressures and financial challenges facing production companies and calling for greater consideration of the industry’s circumstances.
Artists’ representatives, however, maintain that public performance rights constitute a fundamental entitlement and are seeking practical mechanisms to ensure that performers and other eligible rights holders receive the compensation due to them.
Joint Efforts to Advance the Issue
As part of efforts to address the dispute, Zaki held talks with several prominent industry representatives, including Cinematographers Syndicate head Massad Fouda, Drama Authors Association president Ayman Salama, Children of Egyptian Artists Association president Mady El-Deken, and actor and Egyptian Senate member Yasser Galal.
Participants emphasized the importance of protecting the financial rights of performers and their heirs and developing mechanisms to ensure their effective implementation.
Galal has also taken the issue to Egypt’s Senate, seeking to advance the discussion at the legislative level as stakeholders look for a framework that protects artists’ rights while addressing the broader interests and sustainability of Egypt’s film and television production industry.
