Series and movies are among the most popular forms of entertainment worldwide. Many people spend their free time watching series and movies, while fewer individuals dedicate their time to reading. Drama, in particular, captivates audiences globally, who not only engage with the events but often quote behaviors they observe. This engagement can boost tourism to the countries where these films or series are produced, as viewers are eager to visit the locations featured on screen.
However, there is currently a significant shortage of high-quality dramatic texts. In the past, talented drama writers produced exceptional works, but today, audiences frequently complain about weak scripts. The problem is not with the actors, who are often highly skilled professionals, but with the scripts they are given.
The root of this issue lies in the lack of professional scriptwriters. Most current writers approach writing as a hobby rather than a profession. This needs to change, ideally through the establishment of a dedicated department within the ministry of information focused on writing dramatic texts. These writers should not adhere to conventional working hours but should be evaluated based on the quantity and quality of the scripts they produce. A supervisor should approve the dramatic story ideas, allowing writers to focus solely on their craft without other distractions.
Writing scripts for series and films requires a clear mind and dedicated time to develop ideas into well-constructed dramatic texts. These texts should then be reviewed, modified, and produced by Kuwait TV, ensuring exclusivity and potentially increasing the channel’s resources.
There are numerous complaints about the current state of local dramas, with many viewers preferring non-local dramas, particularly Turkish series, which are highly popular among Arab audiences due to their strong storytelling. Therefore, we need drama writers who can create content aligned with Kuwaiti customs and traditions. Recent controversies over works that do not reflect our culture highlight the need for the ministry of information to take purposeful steps to introduce new ideas and culture to viewers.
In the past, there were outstanding works that provided the audience with valuable cultural insights. One such notable series was "To Dad and Mom with Love”, starring the late artist Khaled Al-Nafisi and the artist Hayat Al-Fahad. This series was a hallmark of Kuwaiti dramatic works.
Dramatic works should convey meaningful ideas and promote positive habits, rather than constantly depicting negative aspects. Many recent dramas have focused on themes like drugs and crime, filled with scenes of screaming and crying, which spread negative energy among viewers.
Kuwait has historically been a source of culture and civilization, presenting a positive image of Kuwaiti society through the media. Given the current shortage of drama artists, it is crucial for the ministry of information to support writers and provide them with a conducive environment. This support will enable Kuwait TV and Kuwaiti media to regain their leading position.