Latest news with #Chahine
Egypt Today
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Egypt Today
Luxor African Film Festival to Celebrate the Centennial of Youssef Chahine in Landmark 15th Edition
The Luxor African Film Festival (LAFF) is gearing up for a spectacular 15th edition, set to take place in the last week of March 2026 under the powerful theme: 'Youssef Chahine… An Egyptian Tale.' This special edition honors the centennial of iconic Egyptian filmmaker Youssef Chahine (1926–2026), whose groundbreaking work left an indelible mark on Arab and global cinema. Festival President and screenwriter Sayed Fouad revealed that this tribute will include a bilingual (Arabic-French) documentary book chronicling Chahine's cinematic journey and a captivating video art exhibition showcasing rare photographs and vintage posters. Four of his most celebrated, newly restored films—revived by Misr International Films—will take center stage in Luxor and across African countries throughout 2026. In parallel, the festival will honor key collaborators from Chahine's filmography, making this centennial celebration a continent-wide homage to his enduring legacy. Festival Director Azza Elhosseiny also announced a reimagined 'Special Focus' program spotlighting South African cinema, with four landmark films and a reissue of a pivotal book tracing the nation's cinematic evolution. This year's edition will also pay heartfelt tribute to the late Malian auteur Souleymane Cissé (1940–2025), a towering figure in African cinema and a longtime friend of LAFF. A dedicated bulletin and retrospective will honor his remarkable contributions to the art form, including his award-winning works that once graced Cannes and other international festivals. Since its inception in 2011, LAFF has been a vibrant bridge between Egypt and the rest of Africa, championing the continent's rich cinematic heritage through curated screenings, cross-border programs, and institutional collaborations. Organized by the Independent Artists Youth Foundation, with actor Mahmoud Hemida as honorary president and producer-distributor Gaby Khoury heading the high committee, the festival is backed by Egypt's Ministries of Culture, Tourism & Antiquities, Foreign Affairs, and Youth & Sports. Key partners include the National Bank of Egypt, Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority, Kemet for Peace and Knowledge, Afreximbank, the Syndicate of Cinematic Professions, and Luxor Governorate.
CairoScene
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Criterion to Release 4K Restoration of Youssef Chahine's Cairo Station
The restoration of the film was done with an uncompressed monaural soundtrack, preserving the film's sonic and visual textures. May 22, 2025 The Criterion Collection, the American company known for licensing, restoring, and distributing significant works of world cinema, has announced the release of a newly restored version of 'Cairo Station' (Bab el Hadid) by late Egyptian auteur Youssef Chahine. The 4K restoration will be available from the 12th of August 2025 through the company's various platforms. First released in 1958, Chahine not only directed but also starred in the film, playing the role of Qinawi, a disabled newspaper vendor whose obsessive infatuation with a charismatic soft drinks seller- played by the inimitable Hind Rostom- spirals into operatic tragedy on the platforms of Cairo's main railway station. A blend of Italian neorealism and bold melodrama, Cairo Station is often lauded for its raw, street-level aesthetic and psychological depth. The film captures the turbulence of a society undergoing rapid political and social change in the wake of the 1952 revolution, and the struggles of individuals searching for a foothold in a redefined national identity. The upcoming Criterion edition features a new 4K digital restoration with an uncompressed monaural soundtrack, faithfully preserving the film's original sonic and visual textures. It also includes a newly restored version of 'Al Qahira Kama Ra'aha Chahine' (Cairo As Seen by Chahine, 1991), a short documentary by Chahine that offers a personal and cinematic portrait of the Egyptian capital, restored in 2K. The release is further enriched by an introductory feature from film critic Joseph Fahim, who places Cairo Station in its historical and artistic context. In addition, it presents newly translated English subtitles, offering greater fidelity to the original Arabic dialogue with an ear for its rhythm and nuance.
Zawya
05-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Specialized Medical Company to float 30% on Tadawul
Riyadh – Saudi healthcare provider Specialized Medical Company (SMC) intends to proceed with an initial public offering (IPO) and the listing of 75 million ordinary shares on the Main Market of the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul). On 26 March 2025, the Capital Market Authority (CMA) approved the company's application for registering its share capital and the offering of 30% of its total issued share capital. The offering price will be determined at the end of the institutional bookbuilding period, according to a press release. The IPO Shares will be offered for subscription to individual and institutional investors, including institutional investors outside the US. Meanwhile, the net proceeds from the IPO will be distributed to the selling shareholders, yet the company will not receive any part of the offering proceeds. CEO of SMC, Bassam Chahine, said: 'For over 25 years, SMC has been proud to serve the Riyadh community, building a legacy as one of the capital's trusted private healthcare providers. Our journey has been defined by clinical excellence, operational excellence, and a commitment to delivering world-class medical care tailored to the needs of our growing population.' Chahine added: 'Today, as Riyadh expands northward and Saudi Arabia's healthcare sector evolves under Vision 2030, we are entering an exciting new chapter.' The CEO noted: 'Our planned listing on the Main Market of the Saudi Exchange will enable us to accelerate our growth strategy – doubling our capacity with three new hospitals in Northern Riyadh, further strengthening our role in expanding access to high-quality healthcare in the Kingdom.' From his part, Hani Charani, the CFO of SMC, said: 'SMC has demonstrated consistent financial strength, marked by double-digit revenue growth, expanding margins, and prudent capital management. Our ability to grow sustainably while maintaining operational efficiency underscores the resilience of our business model.' The CFO added: 'The IPO will provide us with flexibility to accelerate our strategic agenda, invest in capacity, technology, and innovation, and strengthen our leadership in one of the region's most dynamic healthcare markets.' Charani concluded: 'We are entering the public markets with ambition, resilience, and clear visibility on long-term growth.' Source: Mubasher
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Entrepreneur pleads to laundering feds' 'drug money' through dormant Jacksonville businesses
An entrepreneur behind an unfinished Arlington restaurant pleaded guilty Wednesday to money-laundering charges carrying a potential for up to 40 years of prison time. Mauricio Chahine, 52, admitted in a plea agreement to laundering bags of cash from supposed cocaine traffickers who turned out to be undercover federal agents. Chahine told the agents he had been handling people's money since the 1990s and could launder it domestically or in any of nine foreign countries, from the Netherlands to China, said a plea agreement he signed. He mentioned working with people in Colombia, Venezuela and Panama, the agreement said. Elsewhere: China-based crypto exchange founder arrested in $700M money laundering operation The agent agreed to Chahine's 12% fee and told him to keep the money's movements domestic, court records said. Chahine routed some of the supposed drug money through bank accounts of companies whose state records list him as the only officer, according to the plea agreement. One account was for Arby's Seafood and Chicken Inc., the name of a lifeless restaurant Chahine had been working to reopen at 2009 University Blvd. North, near Jacksonville University. Another was for Albarakah International Grocery Inc., a now-closed business at 1050 Arlington Road North that Chahine helped fund in 2023 with a Kickstarter campaign describing the 'euphoria grocery store' his Brazilian/Lebanese family operated offering flavors from patrons' home countries. Chahine, who was born in Brazil, told U.S. Magistrate Monte C. Richardson he has been an American citizen since 2008. Court records described agents giving Chahine $217,975 in four batches between May and July 2024 that he had to return in some form that looked legitimate. The plea agreement said Chahine asked the agent to draft fake invoices to look like the agent had bought restaurant equipment from Arby's and the grocery, so Chahine could wire money as "payment." Except for the handling fee, money was returned by wire transfers to a bank account that Internal Revenue Service investigators were using for a joint investigation with the Drug Enforcement Administration, according to the agreement. A tipster gave DEA Chahine's name while that agency and IRS were investigating "a large-scale money laundering organization operating in Jacksonville," court records filed in 2024 said. Chahine, who was indicted in November 2024, pleaded guilty to two of the five counts he was charged with. Both were specific money laundering counts, each punishable by up to 20 years behind bars, and can be imposed consecutively. Each can also carry a fine up to $250,000, for a total of $500,000. Chahine's plea agreement requires him to forfeit $12,000, representing money he received from the crime. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Owner of dormant Jacksonville restaurant pleads in money laundering sting
The National
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Arab jury members at Cannes, from Youssef Wahbi to Leila Slimani
For nearly eight decades, the Cannes Film Festival has rewarded cinematic excellence, inviting filmmakers, actors and industry professionals from around the globe to celebrate the medium. Among the distinguished guests who have graced the festival's panels, Arab filmmakers have played a notable role, contributing their unique perspectives and talents. Arab representation began in 1946, with the inaugural festival. Youssef Wahbi, an Egyptian actor, director and producer, was the first Arab figure to serve on the festival's jury. Over the years, Wahbi was part of the golden age of Egyptian cinema during the 1940s and '50s. One of his final roles was in Youssef Chahine's Alexandria … Why? in 1979 before he died in 1982. Fast-forward to 1983 when Chahine himself joined the Cannes jury. The Egyptian filmmaker is known for his bold storytelling, providing a distinctly Arab perspective to the festival. Chahine's film Bab Al Hadid (Cairo Station) made waves in 1958. The film starred Chahine himself alongside Hind Rostom and Farid Shawqi. In 1991, Ferid Boughedir, a Tunisian director, joined the Cannes jury, expanding the Arab footprint at the festival. Boughedir directed Halfaouine: Child of the Terraces a year earlier and earned praise for his brave approach to taboo subjects. In 2001, Tunisian filmmaker Moufida Tlatli became the first Arab woman to serve on the official selection jury. Tlatli's inclusion underscored the growing recognition of female Arab filmmakers and their invaluable contributions to the cinematic landscape. As well as directing films such as The Season of Men and Nadia et Sarra, Tlatli also served as editor on multiple films including The Silences of the Palace and Sejnane. Palestinian director Elia Suleiman, who is renowned for his surreal and satirical storytelling, joined the Cannes jury in 2006. Suleiman's films explored themes of identity, displacement, and the absurdity of everyday life, offering commentary on the human condition. Suleiman's Divine Intervention became the first Palestinian film to be nominated for the Palme d'Or in 2002. Another historic moment came in 2007 with the inclusion of Abderrahmane Sissako, a Mauritanian filmmaker, in the Cannes jury. Sissako's films could be described as poetic realism, providing social commentary and shining a light on the struggles and triumphs of marginalised communities. In 2014, Sissako's Timbuktu was in the running for a Palme d'Or. In 2008, Algerian director Rachid Bouchareb joined the jury. Bouchareb's films explore themes of colonialism, immigration and identity. Days of Glory was nominated for a Palme d'Or in 2006 and he returned to compete in 2010 with Outside the Law, which was also nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards. Palestinian actress and director Hiam Abbass served on the Cannes jury in 2012. Abbass, known for her compelling performances in films such as Paradise Now and The Visitor, brought a wealth of experience and insight to the jury panel. She has appeared in many popular American television shows in recent years including the comedy Ramy and the HBO hit Succession. Saudi Arabia filmmaker Haifaa Al Mansour became the first director from the Gulf to be a jury member at Cannes in 2015, being chosen for the Un Certain Regard category. Al Mansour's film Wadjda received global praise for highlighting segments of Saudi society that aren't normally showcased in media. In 2019, Nadine Labaki added her voice to the Cannes jury. Labaki served as jury president for the Un Certain Regard category. Having directed films such as Caramel and Where Do We Go Now?, the Lebanese filmmaker became a globally recognised talent with her film Capernaum in 2018. In 2021, a diverse array of Arab cinematic talents joined the juries, including Kaouther Ben Hania from Tunisia, Mounia Meddour from Algeria and Tahar Rahim, a French actor of Algerian descent. Rahim was on the jury for the main competition, Meddour served in the Un Certain Regard category and Ben Hania served on the Cinefondation and short films juries. In 2022, Egyptian filmmaker Yousry Nasrallah, whose film After the Battle was nominated for the Palme d'Or in 2012, joined the jury for the short films category and Ben Hania returned to sit on the jury for Critics' Week. In 2023, Moroccan filmmaker Maryam Touzani sat on the main competition jury a year after her film The Blue Caftan was nominated in the Un Certain Regard category. The film follows the journey of a young woman who discovers a mysterious blue caftan that unlocks hidden family secrets. Arab participation in Cannes juries continued last year with two filmmakers being chosen for the prestigious honour. Labaki returned to serve on the main competition jury while the Un Certain Regard jury counted Moroccan filmmaker Asmae El Moudir as a member. The latest Arab juror is French-Moroccan writer Leila Slimani. She will join South Korean filmmaker Hong Sang-soo, Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia, American actor Jeremy Strong and French actress Juliette Binoche, the jury president, on the 2025 panel for the main competition. Slimani has written many award-winning novels, including Dans le Jardin de l'Ogre, Chanson Douce and Le Pays des Autres. She is also French President Emmanuel Macron's representative to the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie.
