For the first time, the management of the annual Film Society Festival for Egyptian Cinema, which is scheduled to take place at the Cairo Opera House from June 1-12 in celebration of the Golden Jubilee, has decided to honor a number of pioneers by commemorating the 100th anniversary of their birth. These pioneers include actress Samia Gamal, actor Abdel Moniem Ibrahim, and actor Fouad El-Mohandes.
The centenary celebration will be particularly memorable due to the discussions and book signings that will address the careers of these celebrities.
The centenary of the late Samia Gamal will be commemorated on the second day of the Festival, June 2nd. The presence of the younger sister of the late Rushdy Abaza, “Mrs. Mounira Abaza,” and film critic Nahid Salah will be present, as well as the signing of “Samia Gamal… The Butterfly,” which was published by Dar Misr Publishing House.
The centennial of the late esteemed actor Abdel Moniem Ibrahim will be commemorated on the fourth day of the Festival, Tuesday, June 4th. The event will be attended by his daughters Somaia and Suhair, his granddaughter Mariam and her father, actor Sabry Abdel Moniem, and film critic Mahmoud Abdel Shakour. Additionally, the signing of “Unforgettable Faces,” a book published by Dar El-Shorouk that delves into the career of the late actor Abdel Moniem Ibrahim, will be conducted.
The centennial of the late actor Fouad El-Mohandes will be commemorated on the sixth day of the Festival, Thursday, June 6th. The event will be attended by his son, Mohamed, and art critic Walid El-Khashab. Additionally, they will be signing the “Mohandes El Bahja” issued by Dar El-Maraya for Culture and Arts.
Mahmoud Abboud, a writer, critic, and member of the Film Society, will collaborate with strategic planning and public relations advisor in creative industries, Mustafa El-Tayeb, to moderate the three celebrations.
Rami El-Metwally, the artistic director of the Festival, declared, “A centenary is a novel concept that the Film Society has introduced in commemoration of the 50th edition.” It was determined to recognize a number of iconic figures on their centenaries, particularly in recognition of their artistic accomplishments, as it is associated with the Festival’s permanent slogan “Towards Egyptian Cinema.” The Festival is consistently enthusiastic about honoring notable figures in Egyptian cinema. Numerous accolades have been bestowed upon prominent figures who have produced iconic works for Egyptian cinema.
El-Metwally further stated, “There is a need to recognize the significant contributions of additional cinema pioneers to the advancement of Egyptian cinema.” It is, in fact, a matter of great importance. Consequently, a number of notable figures were chosen to commemorate their centenaries in a novel manner, emphasizing Egyptian cinema and its figures. From the management’s perspective, honoring these figures and their works serves as a gesture of appreciation and facilitates discussions about their distinctive artistic projects and works, thereby fostering direct communication with the next generation.
Mustafa El-Tayeb observed, “The Film Society has organized successful events and produced distinctive editions in recent years.” We hope that the fiftieth edition of the Golden Jubilee will be exceptional in every aspect and attain additional successes this year. Therefore, we are collaborating with several of the most prominent Egyptian publishing houses in these events. In honor of the Golden Jubilee and to commemorate the iconic figures of Samia Gamal, Abdel Moniem Ibrahim, and Fouad El-Mohandes, they provided publications at a special discount to the Festival’s attendees. In the presence of their families, three symposiums are to be held to address their biographies and works. Additionally, there will be discussions with the authors of the works that address the specifics of their careers and most significant moments: Nahid Salah, Mahmoud Abdel Shakour, and Walid El-Khashab.
El-Tayed stated, “Partnerships with publishing houses, literary organizations, and other publishing entities are a component of a strategic plan that has been specifically designed for the Festival. This plan necessitates networking with the creative industries, which are a significant economic and societal force that cannot be disregarded.” Egypt has a magnificent cultural and artistic heritage and has excelled in these creative industries for several years, which is also a global trend to demonstrate strength and be present internationally.