From blogger to screenwriter, Ghada Abdel Aal's impact on telling the stories of Arab women
Concept Team
Going from a blogger to a celebrated screenwriter, Ghada Abd el Aal has been inspiring and empowering the modern Arab woman in the media for generations.
With the second season of FINDING OLA dropping on the 26th of September, it’s the best time to reflect on the impact Abdel Aal’s work has had on women thus far, both in Egypt and across the region.
Ghada Abdel Aal has conveyed the concerns and experiences of contemporary Arab women throughout her work in television, cinema, and literature, tackling them in both creative and inspiring ways.
Starting her journey with the ambitious launch of a 2008 blog titled AYZA ATGAWEZ, Abdel Aal has, time and again, proven to be a witty commentator on relevant social issues. Her blog has since inspired a bestselling book, an iconic TV Series, and a Netflix original spinoff.
AYZA ATGAWEZ and its spin-off FINDING OLA tackle culture and identity while exploring themes of metamorphosis, love, home, and family.
As women across Egypt tuned in with glee to watch the episodes of AYZA ATGAWEZ as they first aired in Ramadan of 2010, the series has since left quite a cultural mark on both Egyptian and Arab women alike.
The protagonist of Ghada’s magnum opus, Ola, resonates with viewers, as they find the trials and tribulations she goes through both relatable and relevant.
Not only does that make for impactful storytelling, but Abdel Aal’s ability to infuse her social commentary with satire and smooth out the edges of bitter truths with comedy is both endearing and commendable.
It’s no surprise that AYZA ATGAWEZ has since spawned a plethora of memes online, cementing it as a classic in Egyptian pop culture.
Audiences who find Abdel Aal’s works relatable have since showered them with praise, forming a community of followers who appreciate her perspective and storytelling abilities.
Netflix’s second season of FINDING OLA drops on the 26th of September, streaming worldwide across 190 countries.
In the second season, Hend Sabry reprises her role as fan-favorite Ola, alongside the irresistibly charming Dhafer L’Abdine — set to play her awkwardly estranged business partner Karim, who pushes her to give love one more chance.
The second season of FINDING OLA explores family, love, and the unyielding strength it takes to face life’s unpredictable blessings in disguise.
