Cinema of Egypt
Encyclopedia
The cinema of Egypt refers to the flourishing Egyptian Arabic
-language film industry
based in Cairo
, the capital of Egypt
. Since 1976, Cairo has held the annual Cairo International Film Festival
, which has been accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations. There is also another festival held in Alexandria
. Of the more than 4,000 short and feature-length films made in Arabic-speaking countries since 1908, more than three-quarters were Egyptian.
s were made in Egypt from 1896 (with 1927's Layla notable as the first full-length feature), Cairo
's film industry became a regional force with the coming of sound. Between 1930 and 1936, various small studios produced at least 44 feature films. In 1936, Studio Misr, financed by industrialist Talaat Harb
, emerged as the leading Egyptian equivalent to Hollywood's major studios, a role the company retained for three decades.
Historians disagree in determining the beginning of cinema in Egypt, there are those who said that beginning in 1896 with the first film watched in Egypt, while others thought that the beginning of cinema in the June 20, 1907 with the a short documentary film about the visit of Khedive Abbas Hilmi II to the Institute of Mursi Abul-Abbas in Alexandria. In 1917, the director Mohamed Karim established a production company in Alexandria. The company produced two films: Dead Flowers and Honor the Bedouin, which were shown in the city of Alexandria in early 1918.
Since then, more than 4000 films have been produced in Egypt, three quarters of the total Arab production. Egypt is the most productive country in the Middle East in the field of film production, and the one with the most developed media system.
of Egyptian cinema. As in the West, films responded to the popular imagination, with most falling into predictable genres (happy endings being the norm), and many actors making careers out of playing strongly typed parts. In the words of one critic, "If an Egyptian film intended for popular audiences lacked any of these prerequisites, it constituted a betrayal of the unwritten contract with the spectator, the results of which would manifest themselves in the box office."
Political changes in Egypt after the overthrow of King Farouk
in 1952 initially had little effect on Egyptian film. The Nasser
regime sought control over the industry only after turning to socialism in 1961. By 1966, the Egyptian film industry had been nationalized; in the words of Ahmed Ramzi
, a leading man
of the era, "it went to the dogs". The "heavy government hand" that accompanied nationalization of Egyptian film "stifled innovative trends and sapped its dynamism".
By the 1970s, Egyptian films struck a balance between politics and entertainment. Films such as 1972's Khalli Balak min Zouzou (Watch out for Zouzou), starring "the Cinderella of Arab cinema", Suad Husni
, sought to balance politics and audience appeal. Zouzou integrated music, dance, and contemporary fashions into a story that balanced campus ferment with family melodrama.
This lasted until summer 1997, with "Ismailia Rayeh Gayy" (translation: Ismailia back and forth). The comedy shocked the cinema industry enjoying unparalleled success and providing large profits for the producers, introducing Mohammed Fouad (a famous singer) and Mohammed Henedy a rather unknown actor who then became the number one comedian star. Building on the success of that movie, several comedy films were released in the following years
s attract some international attention but sparse attendance at home. Popular films, often broad comedies such as the extremely profitable vehicles for comedian Mohamed Saad
, battle to hold audiences either drawn to Western films or, increasingly, wary of the perceived immorality of film.
A few productions, such as 2003's Sahar el Layali (Sleepless Nights), intertwined stories of four bourgeois couples and 2006's Imarat Yacoubian
(The Yacoubian Building) bridge this divide through their combination of high artistic quality and popular appeal.
In 2006, the film Awkat Faragh (Free Times) was released. A social commentary on the decline of Egyptian youth, the film was produced on a low-budget and with the attendant low production values. The film, however, became a success. Its controversial subject matter, namely, the sexual undertones in today's society, was seen as confirmation that the industry was finally beginning to take risks.
A major challenge facing Egyptian and international scholars, students, and fans of Egyptian film is the lack of resources in terms of published works, preserved and available copies of the films themselves, and development in Egypt of state and private institutions dedicated to the study and preservation of film. The Egyptian National Film Centre (ENFC), which theoretically holds copies of all films made after 1961, is according to one Egyptian film researcher, "far from being a library, houses piles of rusty cans containing positive copies."
The year 2007, however, saw a considerable spike in the number of Egyptian movies made. In 1997, the number of Egyptian feature-length films created was 16; 10 years later, that number had risen to 40. Box office records have also risen significantly, as Egyptian movies earned around $50 million while American movies, by comparison, earned $10 million. The quality of movies has also improved both in terms of direction and plot.
has held the annual Cairo International Film Festival
, which has been accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations. There is also another festival held in Alexandria
. Of the more than 4,000 short- and feature-length films made in Arabic-speaking countries since 1908, more than three-quarters were Egyptian.
Egyptian Arabic
Egyptian Arabic is the language spoken by contemporary Egyptians.It is more commonly known locally as the Egyptian colloquial language or Egyptian dialect ....
-language film industry
Film industry
The film industry consists of the technological and commercial institutions of filmmaking: i.e. film production companies, film studios, cinematography, film production, screenwriting, pre-production, post production, film festivals, distribution; and actors, film directors and other film crew...
based in Cairo
Cairo
Cairo , is the capital of Egypt and the largest city in the Arab world and Africa, and the 16th largest metropolitan area in the world. Nicknamed "The City of a Thousand Minarets" for its preponderance of Islamic architecture, Cairo has long been a centre of the region's political and cultural life...
, the capital of Egypt
Egypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
. Since 1976, Cairo has held the annual Cairo International Film Festival
Cairo International Film Festival
The Cairo International Film Festival is an annual film festival held in Cairo, Egypt. It was established in 1976 and was the first international film festival held in the Arab world...
, which has been accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations. There is also another festival held in Alexandria
Alexandria
Alexandria is the second-largest city of Egypt, with a population of 4.1 million, extending about along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in the north central part of the country; it is also the largest city lying directly on the Mediterranean coast. It is Egypt's largest seaport, serving...
. Of the more than 4,000 short and feature-length films made in Arabic-speaking countries since 1908, more than three-quarters were Egyptian.
Beginnings
While a limited number of silent filmSilent film
A silent film is a film with no synchronized recorded sound, especially with no spoken dialogue. In silent films for entertainment the dialogue is transmitted through muted gestures, pantomime and title cards...
s were made in Egypt from 1896 (with 1927's Layla notable as the first full-length feature), Cairo
Cairo
Cairo , is the capital of Egypt and the largest city in the Arab world and Africa, and the 16th largest metropolitan area in the world. Nicknamed "The City of a Thousand Minarets" for its preponderance of Islamic architecture, Cairo has long been a centre of the region's political and cultural life...
's film industry became a regional force with the coming of sound. Between 1930 and 1936, various small studios produced at least 44 feature films. In 1936, Studio Misr, financed by industrialist Talaat Harb
Talaat Pasha Harb
Talaat Pasha Harb was a leading Egyptian economist and founder of Banque Misr , and its group of companies, in May 1920.- His works :...
, emerged as the leading Egyptian equivalent to Hollywood's major studios, a role the company retained for three decades.
Historians disagree in determining the beginning of cinema in Egypt, there are those who said that beginning in 1896 with the first film watched in Egypt, while others thought that the beginning of cinema in the June 20, 1907 with the a short documentary film about the visit of Khedive Abbas Hilmi II to the Institute of Mursi Abul-Abbas in Alexandria. In 1917, the director Mohamed Karim established a production company in Alexandria. The company produced two films: Dead Flowers and Honor the Bedouin, which were shown in the city of Alexandria in early 1918.
Since then, more than 4000 films have been produced in Egypt, three quarters of the total Arab production. Egypt is the most productive country in the Middle East in the field of film production, and the one with the most developed media system.
The Golden Age
The 1940s and 1950s are generally considered the golden ageGolden Age
The term Golden Age comes from Greek mythology and legend and refers to the first in a sequence of four or five Ages of Man, in which the Golden Age is first, followed in sequence, by the Silver, Bronze, and Iron Ages, and then the present, a period of decline...
of Egyptian cinema. As in the West, films responded to the popular imagination, with most falling into predictable genres (happy endings being the norm), and many actors making careers out of playing strongly typed parts. In the words of one critic, "If an Egyptian film intended for popular audiences lacked any of these prerequisites, it constituted a betrayal of the unwritten contract with the spectator, the results of which would manifest themselves in the box office."
Political changes in Egypt after the overthrow of King Farouk
Farouk of Egypt
Farouk I of Egypt , was the tenth ruler from the Muhammad Ali Dynasty and the penultimate King of Egypt and Sudan, succeeding his father, Fuad I, in 1936....
in 1952 initially had little effect on Egyptian film. The Nasser
Gamal Abdel Nasser
Gamal Abdel Nasser Hussein was the second President of Egypt from 1956 until his death. A colonel in the Egyptian army, Nasser led the Egyptian Revolution of 1952 along with Muhammad Naguib, the first president, which overthrew the monarchy of Egypt and Sudan, and heralded a new period of...
regime sought control over the industry only after turning to socialism in 1961. By 1966, the Egyptian film industry had been nationalized; in the words of Ahmed Ramzi
Ahmed Ramzy
Ahmed Ramzy is an Egyptian actor who played the leading roles in many Egyptian films in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.-Early life:Ramzy was born Ramzy Mahmoud Bayoumi in 1930 to an Egyptian orthopedist and university professor father, his mother was a young Scottish lady.Ramzy graduated from...
, a leading man
Leading man
Leading man or leading gentleman is an informal term for the actor who plays a love interest to the leading actress in a film or play. A leading man is usually an all rounder; capable of singing, dancing, and acting at a professional level, but never outshining his female co-star...
of the era, "it went to the dogs". The "heavy government hand" that accompanied nationalization of Egyptian film "stifled innovative trends and sapped its dynamism".
By the 1970s, Egyptian films struck a balance between politics and entertainment. Films such as 1972's Khalli Balak min Zouzou (Watch out for Zouzou), starring "the Cinderella of Arab cinema", Suad Husni
Suad Husni
Soad Mohamed Hosny was an Egyptian actress born in the Bulaq district of Cairo. Hosny was known as the "Cinderella of Egyptian cinema" and one of the most influential actresses in the artistic arena. She ascended to stardom in the end of the 1950s, performing in more than 83 films between 1959 and...
, sought to balance politics and audience appeal. Zouzou integrated music, dance, and contemporary fashions into a story that balanced campus ferment with family melodrama.
Transitional period
The late 1970s and 1980s saw the Egyptian film industry in decline, with the rise of what came to be called "contractor movies". Actor Khaled El Sawy has described these as films "where there is no story, no acting and no production quality of any kind... basic formula movies that aimed at making a quick buck." The number of films produced also declined, from nearly 100 movies a year in the industry's prime to about a dozen in 1995.This lasted until summer 1997, with "Ismailia Rayeh Gayy" (translation: Ismailia back and forth). The comedy shocked the cinema industry enjoying unparalleled success and providing large profits for the producers, introducing Mohammed Fouad (a famous singer) and Mohammed Henedy a rather unknown actor who then became the number one comedian star. Building on the success of that movie, several comedy films were released in the following years
Present
Since the 1990s, Egypt's cinema has gone in separate directions. Smaller art filmArt film
An art film is the result of filmmaking which is typically a serious, independent film aimed at a niche market rather than a mass market audience...
s attract some international attention but sparse attendance at home. Popular films, often broad comedies such as the extremely profitable vehicles for comedian Mohamed Saad
Mohamed Saad
Mohamed Saad Ahmad is an Egyptian film actor active since 2000.After several supporting roles, Saad took the lead in El Lembi...
, battle to hold audiences either drawn to Western films or, increasingly, wary of the perceived immorality of film.
A few productions, such as 2003's Sahar el Layali (Sleepless Nights), intertwined stories of four bourgeois couples and 2006's Imarat Yacoubian
The Yacoubian Building (film)
The Yacoubian Building is an Egyptian film based on the novel of the same title by author Alaa Al Aswany. It has been reported to be the highest-budgeted film in the history of Egyptian cinema.-Background:...
(The Yacoubian Building) bridge this divide through their combination of high artistic quality and popular appeal.
In 2006, the film Awkat Faragh (Free Times) was released. A social commentary on the decline of Egyptian youth, the film was produced on a low-budget and with the attendant low production values. The film, however, became a success. Its controversial subject matter, namely, the sexual undertones in today's society, was seen as confirmation that the industry was finally beginning to take risks.
A major challenge facing Egyptian and international scholars, students, and fans of Egyptian film is the lack of resources in terms of published works, preserved and available copies of the films themselves, and development in Egypt of state and private institutions dedicated to the study and preservation of film. The Egyptian National Film Centre (ENFC), which theoretically holds copies of all films made after 1961, is according to one Egyptian film researcher, "far from being a library, houses piles of rusty cans containing positive copies."
The year 2007, however, saw a considerable spike in the number of Egyptian movies made. In 1997, the number of Egyptian feature-length films created was 16; 10 years later, that number had risen to 40. Box office records have also risen significantly, as Egyptian movies earned around $50 million while American movies, by comparison, earned $10 million. The quality of movies has also improved both in terms of direction and plot.
Festivals
Since 1976, CairoCairo
Cairo , is the capital of Egypt and the largest city in the Arab world and Africa, and the 16th largest metropolitan area in the world. Nicknamed "The City of a Thousand Minarets" for its preponderance of Islamic architecture, Cairo has long been a centre of the region's political and cultural life...
has held the annual Cairo International Film Festival
Cairo International Film Festival
The Cairo International Film Festival is an annual film festival held in Cairo, Egypt. It was established in 1976 and was the first international film festival held in the Arab world...
, which has been accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations. There is also another festival held in Alexandria
Alexandria
Alexandria is the second-largest city of Egypt, with a population of 4.1 million, extending about along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in the north central part of the country; it is also the largest city lying directly on the Mediterranean coast. It is Egypt's largest seaport, serving...
. Of the more than 4,000 short- and feature-length films made in Arabic-speaking countries since 1908, more than three-quarters were Egyptian.
Notable films
| Transliteration | Year | Arabic | Translation | Director |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abi foq al-Shagara | (1969) | ابي فوق الشجرة | My Father above the Tree | Hussein Kamal |
| Afarit el-asphalt | (1996) | عفاريت الاسفلت | The Asphalt boogymen | Oussama Fawzi |
| Afrita hanem Afrita hanem Afrita hanem is a 1949 Egyptian film about Asfour, a poor singer, played by Egyptian musician Farid Al Atrache, who falls in love with Aleya, a the somewhat spoiled daughter of his boss.... |
(1949) | عفريتة هانم | Little Miss Devil | Henry Barakat |
| Ali Baba wa Al arbain haramee | (1942) | علي بابا والاربعين حرامي | Ali Baba and The Forty Thieves | Togo Mizrahi |
| Ana Horra Ana Horra Ana Horra also written Ana Hurra is a 1959 Egyptian drama starring Lobna Abdel Aziz.Ana Horra is associated with the onset of a feminist context to Egyptian films in the 1960's. The film is also known as part of Salah Abu Seif's Empowerment of Women Trilogy... |
(1959) | أنا حرة | I Am Free | Salah Abu Seif Salah Abu Seif Salah Abu Seif was one of the most famous Egyptian film directors. He is considered to be the godfather of the realistic cinema in Egypt... |
| Arak el-balah | (1998) | عرق البلح | Date Wine | Radwan El-Kashef |
| Ard El-Khof | (1999) | ارض الخوف | The Land Of Fear | Daoud Abdel Sayed Daoud Abdel Sayed Daoud Abdel Sayed is an Egyptian director and screenwriter. He was born in Cairo in 1946. He started as the assistant of Youssef Chahine in The Land... |
| Ard, El | (1969) | الارض | The Land | Youssef Chahine Youssef Chahine Youssef Chahine was an Egyptian film director active in the Egyptian film industry since 1950. He was credited with launching the career of actor Omar Sharif... |
| Asfour, Al | (1972) | العصفور | The Sparrow | Youssef Chahine |
| Awdat al ibn al dal | (1976) | عودة الابن الضال | The Return of the Prodigal Son | Youssef Chahine |
| Awlad Masr | (1933) | أولاد مصر | Sons of Egypt | Togo Mizrahi |
| Ayam El-Sadat Ayam El-Sadat Ayyam El Sadat is a 2001 Egyptian biographical film about the late President of Egypt, Anwar Al Sadat. The movie starred several prominent actors, with the late actor Ahmad Zaki as the Egyptian president. It is considered to be one of Zaki's greatest performances, capturing intimate details about... |
(2001) | أيام السادات | The Days of Sadat | Mohamed Khan Mohamed Khan Mohamed Hamed Hassan Khan is an Egyptian-Pakistani film director, screenwriter and actor.-Biography:Born on October 26, 1942 to an Egyptian mother and a Pakistani father, He completed his high school in Egypt, then traveled to England where studied at the London School of Film Technique Mohamed... |
| Ayde Al-Na'ema, El | (1963) | الأيدي الناعمة | The Soft Hands | Mahmoud Zulfikar Mahmoud Zulfikar Mahmoud Zulfikar was an Egyptian film director and actor. He directed 40 films between 1947 and 1968. His 1964 film Soft Hands was entered into the 14th Berlin International Film Festival.-External links:... |
| Azima, El | (1939) | العزيمة | The Will | Kamal Selim |
| Bab el shams | (2004) | باب الشمس | The Gate of Sun | Yousry Nasrallah Yousry Nasrallah Yousry Nasrallah is an Egyptian film director.Nasrallah was born to a Coptic Christian family in Cairo. He graduated in economics and political science at Cairo University. Following, he worked as a film critic and directing assistant in Beirut from 1978 to 1982... |
| Bab El-Hadid | (1958) | باب الحديد | Cairo Station | Youssef Chahine Youssef Chahine Youssef Chahine was an Egyptian film director active in the Egyptian film industry since 1950. He was credited with launching the career of actor Omar Sharif... |
| Baheb el cima | (2004) | بحب السيما | I Love Cinema | Oussama Fawzi |
| Bahths an Al-Sayyid Marzuq, Al | (1990) | البحث عن السيد مرزوق | The Search for Sayed Marzouk | Daoud Abdel Sayed Daoud Abdel Sayed Daoud Abdel Sayed is an Egyptian director and screenwriter. He was born in Cairo in 1946. He started as the assistant of Youssef Chahine in The Land... |
| Baree', El | (1988) | البرئ | The Innocent | Atef El Tayeb |
| Barsoum Yabhas Aen Wazifa | (1923) | برسوم يبحث عن وظيفة | Barsoum Looking for a Job | Mohamed Bayoumi |
| Bidaya wa Nihaya | (1960) | بداية ونهاية | A Beginning and an End | |
| Boustaguy, Al | (1968) | البوسطجي | The Postman | |
| Darb al-mahabil | (1955) | درب المهابيل | The Path of Mahabil | |
| Doaa al-Karawan Doaa al-Karawan The Nightingale's Prayer is a classical 1959 Egyptian drama film directed by Henry Barakat and based on a novel by the prominent writer Taha Hussein. It stars Faten Hamama and Ahmed Mazhar.... |
(1959) | دعاء الكروان | The Nightingale’s prayer | |
| Eisharit morour | (1995) | إشارة مـرور | Traffic Light | |
| Fi bilad Tout Ankh Amoun | (1923) | في بلاد توت عنخ أمون | In the Land of Tutankhamun | |
| Gannat al shayateen | (1999) | جنة الشياطين | The Paradise of the Fallen Angels | |
| Genenet al asmak | (2008) | جنينة الاسماك | The Aquarium | Yousry Nasrallah Yousry Nasrallah Yousry Nasrallah is an Egyptian film director.Nasrallah was born to a Coptic Christian family in Cairo. He graduated in economics and political science at Cairo University. Following, he worked as a film critic and directing assistant in Beirut from 1978 to 1982... |
| Gezeera, El | (2007) | الجزيرة | The Island | |
| Ghazal Al Banat Ghazal Al Banat Ghazal Al Banat is a Egyptian film. It is Naguib Al Rihani's last film and was shown in cinemas after his death. Ghazal Al Banat was also the last appearance of Mohamed Abdel Wahab in a film... |
(1949) | غزل البنات | The Flirtation of Girls | |
| Hadduta misrija | (1982) | حدوتة مصرية | Egyptian Story | |
| Halim | (2006) | حليم | Halim | |
| Hammam al-Malatily | (1973) | حمام الملاطيلي | The Bathhouse of Malatily | |
| Haram, Al | (1965) | الحرام | The Sin | |
| Hassan wi Mor'os Hassan and Marcus -Background:Being the first collaboration between Adel Imam and Omar Sharif, arguably the most powerful actors in Egypt and the Middle East, the movie was a much-anticipated summer blockbuster... |
(2008) | حسن ومرقص | Hassan & Marcus | |
| Haya aw Maut | (1954) | حياة او موت | Life or Death | |
| Heya fawda | (2007) | هي فوضة | This Is Chaos | |
| Ikhtiyar, Al | (1970) | الإختيار | The choice | |
| Irhab wal kabab, Al Terrorism and Kebab -Plot: The action primarily takes place in The Mogamma in Cairo, a well-known mammoth-sized government building that is a center of bureaucratic work. Adel Imam's character, Ahmed, queues up at the Mogamma one day to try to get a school transfer for his children, but gets bogged down... |
(1992) | الإرهاب والكباب | Terrorism and Kebab | |
| Iskanderija, kaman oue kaman | (1990) | الاسكندرية كمان وكمان | Alexandria Again and Forever | |
| Iskanderija... lih? | (1978) | الإسكندرية... ليه؟ | Alexandria... Why? | |
| Karnak, Al | (1975) | الكرنك | Karnak | |
| Kit Kat, El | (1991) | الكيت كات | The Kit Kat | |
| Laabet el sitt | (1946) | لعبة الست | The Lady's Puppet | |
| Laila | (1927) | ليلى | Laila | |
| Malak al-Rahma Malak al-Rahma The Angel of Mercy is a 1946 Egyptian drama film directed and written by Youssef Wahbi. It stars Wahbi, Faten Hamama, Raqiya Ibrahim, Farid Shawqi, and Nejma Ibrahim.- Plot :... |
(1946) | ملاك الرحمة | Angel of Mercy | |
| Marcides | (1993) | مرسيدس | mercedes | Yousry Nasrallah Yousry Nasrallah Yousry Nasrallah is an Egyptian film director.Nasrallah was born to a Coptic Christian family in Cairo. He graduated in economics and political science at Cairo University. Following, he worked as a film critic and directing assistant in Beirut from 1978 to 1982... |
| Medina, El | (1999) | المدينة | The City | Yousry Nasrallah Yousry Nasrallah Yousry Nasrallah is an Egyptian film director.Nasrallah was born to a Coptic Christian family in Cairo. He graduated in economics and political science at Cairo University. Following, he worked as a film critic and directing assistant in Beirut from 1978 to 1982... |
| Mummia, Al | (1975) | المومياء | The Mummy | |
| Mustahil, El | (1966) | المستحيل | The Impossible | |
| Nasser Salah El-Din, El | (1963) | الناصر صلاح الدين | Saladin The Victorious | |
| Omaret yakobean | (2006) | عمارة يعقوبيان | Yaaqubian building | |
| Rossassa Fel Qalb Rossassa Fel Qalb Rossassa Fel Qalb was a 1944 Egyptian drama film directed by Mohammed Karim starring Egyptian actresses Raqiya Ibrahim, Faten Hamama, musician Mohamed Abdel Wahab and actor Seraj Munir. It is based on a novel by Tewfik El-Hakim.- Plot :... |
(1944) | رصاصة في القلب | A Bullet in the Heart | |
| Rudda kalbi | (1958) | رُدَّ قلبي | Return My Heart Back | |
| Salama fi khair | (1938) | سلامة في خير | Salama Is Fine | |
| Salamah | (1945) | سلامة | Salamah | |
| Sarikat Sayfeya | (1988) | سرقات صيفية | Summertime thefts | Yousry Nasrallah Yousry Nasrallah Yousry Nasrallah is an Egyptian film director.Nasrallah was born to a Coptic Christian family in Cairo. He graduated in economics and political science at Cairo University. Following, he worked as a film critic and directing assistant in Beirut from 1978 to 1982... |
| Sawaq El-Autobis | (1983) | سواق الأوتوبيس | The Bus Driver | |
| Shahazon wa Nobalaa’ | (1991) | شحاذون ونبلاء | Beggars and Noblemen | |
| Shey min el khouf | (1969) | شئ من الخوف | Some of the Fear | |
| Sira' al-abtal | (1962) | صراع الأبطال | Struggle of the Heroes | |
| Sobyan wa banat | (1995) | صبيان وبنات | Boys and Girls | Yousry Nasrallah Yousry Nasrallah Yousry Nasrallah is an Egyptian film director.Nasrallah was born to a Coptic Christian family in Cairo. He graduated in economics and political science at Cairo University. Following, he worked as a film critic and directing assistant in Beirut from 1978 to 1982... |
| Suq al-Soda, Al | (1945) | السوق السودا | Black Market | |
| Tareeq Ela Eilat, El | (1998) | الطريق إلى إيلات | The Road To Eilat | |
| Tharthara Fawq Al Neel | (1971) | ثرثرة فوق النيل | Adrift on the Nile | Hussein Kamal |
| Tooq wal Eswera, El | (1986) | الطوق والاسورة | The Collar and the Bracelet | |
| Toul Omry | (2008) | طول عمري | All My Life | Maher Sabry Maher Sabry Maher Sabry is an Egyptian theater director, playwright, film director, producer and screenwriter, poet, writer and cartoonist artist. A gay activist, he was the first director to portray gay and lesbian love in lyrical and sympathetic manner on Egyptian stage... |
| Weda'an Bonapart | (1985) | وداعًا بوناپارت | Adieu Bonaparte | Youssef Chahine |
| Yateematain, Al | (1949) | اليتيماتان | The Two Orphans | Hassan Al Imam |
| Yawm al-Sadis, Al | (1986) | اليوم السادس | The Sixth Day | Youssef Chahine |
| Yawm Saeed | (1940) | يوم سعيد | Happy Day | Mohammed Karim Mohammed Karim Mohammed Karim was an Egyptian film director, writer, and producer. Karim brought Faten Hamama to fame in the movie Yawm Said. His 1946 film Dunia was entered into the 1946 Cannes Film Festival. -External links:... |
| Yom mor... Yom helw | (1988) | يوم مر .. يوم حلو | Sweet Day, Bitter Day | Khairy Beshara Khairy Beshara Khairy Beshara is an Egyptian film director active in the Egyptian film industry since the 1970s. He is considered one of the Egyptian directors who re-defined Realism in Egyptian cinema in the 1980s. In a recent book published by Bibliotheca Alexandrina in 2007 about the most important 100 films... |
| Zawgat Ragol Mohim Zawgat Ragol Mohim Zawgat Ragol Mohim is an Egyptian film directed by Mohamed Khan. Starring Ahmad Zaki and Mervat Amin, this film tells us the story of the rise and fall of a police officer, during the regime of Anwar El Sadat.... |
(1988) | زوجة رجل مهم | The Wife of an Important Man | Mohamed Khan Mohamed Khan Mohamed Hamed Hassan Khan is an Egyptian-Pakistani film director, screenwriter and actor.-Biography:Born on October 26, 1942 to an Egyptian mother and a Pakistani father, He completed his high school in Egypt, then traveled to England where studied at the London School of Film Technique Mohamed... |
| Zeinab | (1925) | زينب | Zeinab | Mohammed Karim |
| Zeinab | (1950) | زينب | Zeinab | Mohammed Karim |
| Zouga El tania, El | (1967) | الزوجة التانية | The Second Wife | |
Directors
- Ahmed BadrakhanAhmed BadrakhanAhmed Badrakhan was an Egyptian film director and screenwriter. He directed 41 films between 1936 and 1968.-External links:...
(1909–1969) - Anwar WagdiAnwar WagdiAnwar Wagdy was an Egyptian actor, writer, director and producer.-Life:Anwar was born in the Cairo district of El Daher, Cairo. He was of Syrian descent. His father, Yehia Wagdy El-Fattal, immigrated to Egypt from Syria with his family in the 19th century for economic reasons. Anwar's Egyptian...
(1904–1955) - Atef E-Taieb (19??–1995)
- Chadi Abdel Salam (1930–1986)
- Daoud Abdel SayedDaoud Abdel SayedDaoud Abdel Sayed is an Egyptian director and screenwriter. He was born in Cairo in 1946. He started as the assistant of Youssef Chahine in The Land...
(1946–present) - Ezzel Dine ZulficarEzzel Dine ZulficarEzzel Dine Zulficar was an Egyptian film director, screenwriter, actor, and producer.- Career :Zulficar was born in Cairo, Egypt. As a child, Zulficar was a prodigy. He received a scholarship and studied astronomy. He loved reading, which is what had helped him succeed. He graduated from the...
(1919–1963) - Hassan Al Imam (1919–1988)
- Henry Barakat (1912–1997)
- Hussein Kamal (1932–2003)
- Jehane NoujaimJehane NoujaimJehane Noujaim is an Egyptian American documentary film director best known for her films Control Room, Startup.com and Pangea Day.- Career :Jehane Noujaim is a filmmaker, born in Washington DC and raised in Kuwait and Cairo....
(1974–present) - Khairy BesharaKhairy BesharaKhairy Beshara is an Egyptian film director active in the Egyptian film industry since the 1970s. He is considered one of the Egyptian directors who re-defined Realism in Egyptian cinema in the 1980s. In a recent book published by Bibliotheca Alexandrina in 2007 about the most important 100 films...
(1947–present) - Maher SabryMaher SabryMaher Sabry is an Egyptian theater director, playwright, film director, producer and screenwriter, poet, writer and cartoonist artist. A gay activist, he was the first director to portray gay and lesbian love in lyrical and sympathetic manner on Egyptian stage...
(1967–present) - Mahmoud ZulfikarMahmoud ZulfikarMahmoud Zulfikar was an Egyptian film director and actor. He directed 40 films between 1947 and 1968. His 1964 film Soft Hands was entered into the 14th Berlin International Film Festival.-External links:...
- Marwan HamedMarwan HamedMarwan Hamed is a young Egyptian film director who is the son of author Wahid Hamed and journalist Zeinab Sweidan. His debut was a short film entitled Li Li followed by a major feature film entitled The Yacoubian Building based on a novel by Alaa Al Aswany and starring Adel Imam.He has taken part...
- Mohamed KhanMohamed KhanMohamed Hamed Hassan Khan is an Egyptian-Pakistani film director, screenwriter and actor.-Biography:Born on October 26, 1942 to an Egyptian mother and a Pakistani father, He completed his high school in Egypt, then traveled to England where studied at the London School of Film Technique Mohamed...
(1942–present) - Mohammed KarimMohammed KarimMohammed Karim was an Egyptian film director, writer, and producer. Karim brought Faten Hamama to fame in the movie Yawm Said. His 1946 film Dunia was entered into the 1946 Cannes Film Festival. -External links:...
(1896–1972) - Salah Abu SeifSalah Abu SeifSalah Abu Seif was one of the most famous Egyptian film directors. He is considered to be the godfather of the realistic cinema in Egypt...
(1915–1996) - Shady Abdel Salam (1930–1986)
- Sherif ArafaSherif ArafaSherif Arafa is an Egyptian director, writer and producer. He was born on December 25, 1960 and graduated from the Higher Institute of Cinema in 1982...
(1960–present) - Yousry NasrallahYousry NasrallahYousry Nasrallah is an Egyptian film director.Nasrallah was born to a Coptic Christian family in Cairo. He graduated in economics and political science at Cairo University. Following, he worked as a film critic and directing assistant in Beirut from 1978 to 1982...
(1952–present) - Youssef ChahineYoussef ChahineYoussef Chahine was an Egyptian film director active in the Egyptian film industry since 1950. He was credited with launching the career of actor Omar Sharif...
(1926–2008) - Youssef WahbiYoussef WahbiYoussef Wahbi was an Egyptian stage and film actor and director, a leading star of the 1930s and '40s and one of the most prominent Arab stage actors of any era. He was born to a high state official in Egypt but renounced his family's wealth and traveled to Rome in the 1920s to study theatre...
(1898–1982)
Actors
- Abd El Fatah El Quossary (1905–1965) عبد الفتاح القصري
- Abd El Moneim Ibrahim (1924–1987) عبد المنعم إبراهيم
- Abd El Moneim Madbouly (1921–2006) عبدالمنعم مدبولي
- Abd El Salam El Naboulsi (1899–1968) عبد السلام النابلسي
- Abdelhalim Hafez (El Andaleeb) (1929–1977) عبد الحليم حافظ
- Adel EmamAdel EmamAdel Imam , , born May 17, 1940 in El Mansoura , is a popular Egyptian movie and stage actor. He is primarily a comedian, but he has starred in more serious works and, especially in his earlier films, has combined comedy with romance.Emam earned a Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture from Cairo...
(El Zaeem) (1940–present) عادل إمام - Ahmed Helmy (1969–present) أحمد حلمي
- Ahmed MazharAhmed Mazhar-Biography:Ahmed Hafez Mazhar was an Egyptian actor. He graduated from the military academy in 1938 and his colleagues included Gamal Abdel Nasser and Anwar Sadat...
(1917–2002) أحمد مظهر - Ahmad Zaki (1949-200?) أحمد زكي
- Aly El Kassar (1887–1957) علي الكسار
- Amina Rizk (1910–2003) أمينة رزق
- Anwar WagdiAnwar WagdiAnwar Wagdy was an Egyptian actor, writer, director and producer.-Life:Anwar was born in the Cairo district of El Daher, Cairo. He was of Syrian descent. His father, Yehia Wagdy El-Fattal, immigrated to Egypt from Syria with his family in the 19th century for economic reasons. Anwar's Egyptian...
(1904–1955) أنور وجدي - Emad HamdyEmad HamdyEmad Hamdy was an Egyptian actor. He was married to the Egyptian actress Shadia and between 1962 and 1975 he was married to the Egyptian actress Nadia El Guindy, and they had one son.- Filmography :* Al Souk Al Sawdaa 1945....
(1909–1984) عماد حمدي - Ezzel Dine ZulficarEzzel Dine ZulficarEzzel Dine Zulficar was an Egyptian film director, screenwriter, actor, and producer.- Career :Zulficar was born in Cairo, Egypt. As a child, Zulficar was a prodigy. He received a scholarship and studied astronomy. He loved reading, which is what had helped him succeed. He graduated from the...
(1919–1963) عز الدين ذو الفقار - Ezzat Abou Aouf (1948–present) عزت أبو عوف
- Farid al-AtrashFarid al-AtrashFarid al-Atrash, or in French spelling Farid El-Atrache, was a Syrian-Egyptian composer, singer, virtuoso oud player, and actor. Having immigrated to Egypt in childhood, Farid embarked on a highly successful career spanning more than four decades — recording 500 songs and starring in 31 movies...
(1915–1974) فريد الأطرش - Farid Shawky (1920–1998) فريد شوقي
- Faten HamamaFaten HamamaFaten Hamama is an Egyptian producer and an acclaimed actress of film, television, and theatre. She was regarded for her performances in a range of film genres, from melodramas to historical films and occasional comedies, though her chief successes were romantic dramas...
(1931–present) فاتن حمامة - Fatma Rouchdi (1908–1996) فاطمة رشدي
- Fuad Al Mohandes (El Ostaz) (1924–2006) فؤاد المهندس
- Hend RostomHend RostomHind Rostom was one of the most popular Egyptian actresses.- Life and careers :Rostom was born in Alexandria, Egypt on November 11, 1929 to a middle-class Turkish father and an aristocratic mother. She started her career at the age of 16 with the film Azhaar wa Ashwak...
(1933–present) - Hussein FahmyHussein FahmyHussein Fahmy, is an Egyptian actor born in 1940 in Cairo. He is the brother of actor Mustafa Fahmy.A leading movie star and the first UNDP Goodwill Ambassador for the Arab States in 1998 and since then has worked hard to convey to his audience in the Middle East important human development messages...
(1940–present) - Ismail YasinIsmail YasinIsmail Yasin was an Egyptian comedian/actor. He is famous for a series of films with his name in the title. Ismail Yassin had a difficult childhood in Suez where he was born. His mother died at an early age and his father was jailed thus forcing him to leave school before completing his primary...
(1915–1972) - Khaled Abol NagaKhaled Abol NagaKhaled Abol Naga is an Egyptian actor, TV host, producer and director. He is a Human and Child rights activist and has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since his appointment in 2007...
(1966–present) - Layla Murad (1918–1995)
- LeblebaLeblebaNinochka Manoug Kupelian better known by her stage name Lebleba is an Egyptian film actress and entertainer of Armenian origin...
(1945–present) - Mary QueenyMary QueenyMary Queeny was an Egyptian actress and film producer who was based in Egypt.She was Born Mary Boutros Younis to a Christian family in Lebanon in 1913 and she died on 25 November 2003 in Cairo She moved to Cairo with her Mother Mary, and Aunt Assia Dagher....
(1913–2003) - Mervat AminMervat AminMervat Amin is an Arab Egyptian actress, born in 1946 in El-Menya in Egypt. Her father is Egyptian and her mother Scottish. During the seventies her mom was the Head of the Elementary School of El Nasr School Heliopolis,Egypt. Her father was Dr...
(1946–present) - Mohamed Abdel Wahab (1991–1991)
- Mounira El MahdeyaMounira El MahdeyaMounira El Mahdeya was an Egyptian singer born in 1885 in Alexandria; she died in 1965. The singer, better known under the nickname of "Sultana of the song" or "The Sultana", was considered to be the leading Egyptian singer between the two wars.-Career:She studied in a French nuns’ school, after...
(1885–1965) - Nabila EbeidNabila EbeidNabila Ebeid , also spelled Nabila Obeid, is an Egyptian actress. In 1965, she starred with Omar Sharif in The Mamluks, a role which was described as her "first steps to fame"....
(1941–present) - Nadia LutfiNadia LutfiNadia Lutfi , the daughter of an Egyptian father who was an accountant and a Polish mother, was one of the most popular actresses during the final phase of Egyptian cinema's "Golden Age".-Life and career:...
(1937–present) - Nahed Sherief (1942–1981) ناهد شريف
- Naguib Al Rihani (1889–1949)
- Naima AkefNaima AkefNaima Akef was a famous Egyptian belly dancer during the Egyptian cinema's golden age and starred in many films of the time. Naima Akef was born in Tanta on the Nile Delta. Her parents were acrobats in the Akef Circus , which was one of the best known circuses at the time...
(1932–1966) - Nelly MazloumNelly MazloumNelly Mazloum was an Egyptian actress, dancer and choreographer of Greek origin who taught ballet, modern dance, folkloric Egyptian dances and artistic oriental dance...
(1929–2003) - NellyNellyCornell Iral Haynes, Jr. , better known by his stage name Nelly, is an Grammy Award winning American rapper and actor. He has performed with the rap group St. Lunatics since 1993 and signed to Universal Records in 1999. Under Universal, Nelly began his solo career in 2000 with his debut album...
(1949–present) - Nour El-SherifNour El-SherifNour El-Sherif is a contemporary Egyptian actor. His birth name is Mohamad Geber Mohamad ِAbd Allah .El-Sherif was born in the working-class neighbourhood of Sayeda Zainab in Cairo ....
(1946–present) - Omar SharifOmar SharifOmar Sharif is an Egyptian actor who has starred in Hollywood films including Lawrence of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago and Funny Girl. He has been nominated for an Academy Award and has won two Golden Globe Awards.-Early life:...
(1932-prsent) - Rushdy AbazaRushdy AbazaRushdy Said Bughdady Abaza was an Egyptian actor. He died of cancer at the age of 53.-Family:...
(1926–1980) - SabahSabahSabah is one of 13 member states of Malaysia. It is located on the northern portion of the island of Borneo. It is the second largest state in the country after Sarawak, which it borders on its southwest. It also shares a border with the province of East Kalimantan of Indonesia in the south...
(1921–present) - Samia GamalSamia GamalSamia Gamal was an Egyptian belly dancer and film actress.Born in the small Egyptian town of Wana in 1924, Samia's family moved just months later to Cairo and settled near the Khan El-Khalili bazaar. It was many years later that Samia Gamal met Badia Masabni, the founder of modern Oriental dance....
(1924–1994) - Samir SabrySamir SabrySamir Sabry Abdou is an Egyptian former footballer who played at both professional and international levels as a midfielder.-International career:...
(1932–present) - Sanaa GamilSanaa GamilSanaa Gamil , born Thoraya Youssef Atallah , was an Egyptian actress.Born to a Coptic Orthodox family in Upper Egypt, she moved to Cairo to pursue her acting career and changed her name to Sanaa Gamil....
(1932–2002) سناء جميل - ShadiaShadiaFatima Ahmad Kamal , better known by her stage name Shadia , is an Egyptian actress and singer. Now retired, she is famous for her roles in light comedies and drama in the 1950s and 1960s...
(1929–present) - Shukry Sarhan (1925–1997)
- ShwikarShwikarShwikar is a famous Egyptian actress. She started her career in Alexandria in some tragedic roles before she was discovered by the Egyptian film director Fateen Abdul Wahab to work as a comedian in TV, cinema and theatres...
(1939–present) - Souad Hosni (El Cindrella) (1944–2001)
- Tahiya Carioca(1920–1999)
- Youssef WahbiYoussef WahbiYoussef Wahbi was an Egyptian stage and film actor and director, a leading star of the 1930s and '40s and one of the most prominent Arab stage actors of any era. He was born to a high state official in Egypt but renounced his family's wealth and traveled to Rome in the 1920s to study theatre...
(1898–1982) - YoussraYoussraYousra is an Egyptian actress and singer. Her birth name is Civene Nassim. She is the sister-in-law of actor Hesham Selim, son of famous Egyptian football player, actor and former president of Al-Ahly, Saleh Selim. Youssra is considered as a glamorous icon for the Middle East. Despite obstacles,...
(1955–present) - Zaki RostomZaki RostomZaki Rostom Zaki Moharram Mahmoud Rostom Egyptian actor belongs to a school of integration, and is one of the most important actor of the Egyptian cinema....
(1903–1972) - Zouzou Nabil (1920–1996) زوزو نبيل
In the press
The best of Egyptian cinema, the best 15 best Egyptian films of all timeExternal links
- Egyptian Cinema Profiles & Currently Now Showing Movies
- Egyptian film at the Internet Movie DatabaseInternet Movie DatabaseInternet Movie Database is an online database of information related to movies, television shows, actors, production crew personnel, video games and fictional characters featured in visual entertainment media. It is one of the most popular online entertainment destinations, with over 100 million...
- African Media Program Comprehensive database of African media
- ShooFeeTV
- El-Cinema.com (an imdb inspired Egyptian/Arabic movie database)
- Egycinemas.com (Currently Now Showing Movies in Egypt)