Latest news with #HollywoodArabFilmFestival
Daily News Egypt
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily News Egypt
My heart never left cinema: Elham Shahin
In her Heliopolis salon, where the scent of coffee mingles with the fragrance of memory, Elham Shahin welcomed us after her return from Los Angeles. The room was unmistakably hers—walls lined with vintage film stills, shelves adorned with trophies and accolades, each whispering tales of an artist who waged the battles of art with unwavering conviction. We spoke about her recent role as jury president at the Hollywood Arab Film Festival, her performance in Seed El-Nass, and her comeback to radio after two decades. What did it mean to you to chair the jury at the Hollywood Arab Film Festival? It was a mix of pride and responsibility. Being invited to preside over a jury in the heart of Hollywood—the world's cinema capital—wasn't just an honor for me, but for Arab cinema. It felt like we've moved beyond simply submitting our films to global festivals; we're now contributing to the conversation and shaping standards. What was your impression of the films in competition? I was truly impressed. The films showed maturity, boldness, and a fearless approach to storytelling. They tackled taboos and reflected reality with strong cinematic tools. Some of them hit me hard, like a mirror reflecting both our dreams and our wounds—not just stories, but statements. Was this experience different from judging at Arab festivals? Absolutely. At Arab festivals, I'm on familiar ground—I understand the audience and cultural nuances. But in Hollywood, the challenge was greater: to stay rooted in my identity while engaging with a global lens. I wasn't just an artist there—I was representing the Arab woman, the intellectual, the cinematic voice. Was there a specific moment that moved you during the festival? Yes, during the screening of a short Palestinian film. The standing ovation lasted over two minutes. It wasn't just applause—it was recognition of a cause, a collective grief, and a glimmer of hope. That's the power of art—it can say what politics never can. One truthful image can shift perception. What stood out to you about the young filmmakers there? Many were Arab students of cinema in the US. Their films were fresh, passionate, and deeply connected to identity. The dialogues around them were thoughtful, and the festival became a bridge—linking communities and reconnecting generations with their cultural roots. Do you feel festivals like this can truly support Arab cinema? It's a step forward. It's not enough for our films to be screened—they must be understood, critiqued, and appreciated. The Hollywood Arab Film Festival is a platform for cultural dialogue, not just recognition. We don't need flattery—we need real engagement. How would you describe this stage of your artistic journey? I'm more at peace, but the fire still burns. I watch everything, I get excited about new talents, and I still want to make a difference—even with a word, a gesture, or being part of a sincere festival. That's how I stay alive in art—not just alive. You had two major roles this Ramadan. How did the audience respond? I was in the TV drama Seed El-Nass and the radio series 'El-Giran Liba'daha.' Each came with its own challenge. In Seed El-Nass, I played a controversial character. 'El-Giran Liba'daha' marked my return to radio after more than 20 years—it felt like coming home. Let's talk about Etemad El-Hawary in Seed El-Nass. The character sparked strong reactions. I despised that character more than any I've ever played. She was mentally unwell, full of inner scars, forced into early marriage, deprived of education, and humiliated throughout her life. That bred bitterness. But from an acting standpoint, she was a goldmine—full of layers and challenges. That's what any real actor lives for. Some critics found her emotional outbursts and loudness excessive. Your take? That loudness was a mask—her weakness trying to pose as strength. She was broken inside, desperate for attention. Even her eccentric clothes and jewelry weren't vanity—they were a cry for acknowledgment. Did you consult psychologists while preparing for the role? No need. Etemad exists in our reality. I've seen her in the streets, in communities. With my life experience and years of acting, I drew on real people I've encountered and built her from there. Weren't you afraid the audience would hate her? Not at all. That's the sign of success. When the love I've earned through past roles turns into glares on the street, I know I've done something right. They're not hating me—they're hating the truth in the performance. You've often played mothers—even to older actors. Was that ever awkward? Never. I played Hussein Fahmy's mother in 'Al Embrator' and Hisham Selim's in 'Al Harafeesh,' and I never hesitated. I'm not chasing the stereotype of the glamorous heroine. I seek the soul of the character. Acting is a love affair—not a status ladder. What pulled you back into radio after such a long hiatus? The script. 'El-Giran Liba'daha' is a soul-stirring work, centered on values like love, forgiveness, and solidarity. It's presented with gentle simplicity, and that kind of depth always draws me in. What's your take on the rise of 15-episode series? I prefer them. They're more focused, more authentic. Unlike 30-episode series, which sometimes stretch too thin, these feel tighter and more honest. And frankly, 20-hour filming days? That's brutal—it's not humane. Finally—where is Elham Shahin heading next? Wherever the truth is. To cinema that dares to question. To festivals that recognize talent, not fame. To films that confront rather than flatter. And to an audience that understands art isn't a luxury—it's a necessity.
Egypt Today
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Today
The Egyptian short film Nesma will have its world premiere at the Hollywood Arab Film Festival
Egyptian short film Nesma. The Egyptian short film Nesma will have its world premiere at the Hollywood Arab Film Festival. This marks the world premiere of the film, directed by Rahaf Ahmed Adel, with a story and screenplay by Alia Ibrahim. The film is produced and distributed by Ambient Light (Ali El Arabi), with Tarek Al Naameh as executive producer. Shortly after her caregiver passed, Nesma, 12 years old, is forced to live life as her, tricking people into believing that she is alive; to avoid returning to the orphanage. All is well until the orphanage calls for Nesma's routine check-in. The film stars young actress Habiba Sami and has received a grant from the "Manassat" Film Festival. It also took part in the Short Film Market at El Gouna Film Festival 2024.
See - Sada Elbalad
06-04-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
'Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo' to Participate in 2025 Hollywood Arab Film Fest
Rana Atef Egyptian award-winning and acclaimed film "Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo" will participate in the upcoming edition of the Hollywood Arab Film Festival. The pic follows the story of Hassan, a young man in his thirties who goes on a quest to save Rambo, his dog and best friend; and is forced to confront the fears of his past and rediscovers himself. The film is produced by Mohamed Hefzy through his egypt based powerhouse Film Clinic and producer Rasha Hosny, who is making her debut in film production. "Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo" received the Visual Identity and DCP Services Award for a post-production project, presented by Creative Media Solutions at the 5th Amman Film Industry Days (AFID) and Amman Project Market. It also received a number of production grants including the Red Sea Film Fund, Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC) grant for a feature film, and Fonds Image de la Francophoni grant. The film's script received a number of development grants, including a feature film development grant from the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC), and two development grants from CineGouna Platform. Furthermore, the film's script took part in a number of development labs and financing forums, including: (La Fabrique Cinéma programme), supervised by the French Institute and is held as part of Cannes International Film Festival market, Beirut Cinema Platform, film development and production workshop, organized by the Royal Film Commission of Jordan, (Dot on the Map) program, as part of the Cyprus Film Days Festival, and Seen Studio Development Program in Egypt. Additionally, the film's script participated in a number of film financing markets, such as: Malmö Film Market in Sweden and Durban Film Mart in South Africa. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Videos & Features Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO) News Israeli PM Diagnosed with Stage 3 Prostate Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple
Arab News
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Ahmed Helmy to be honored at two film festivals
DUBAI: Egyptian actor Ahmed Helmy is set to be honored at the 4th edition of the Hollywood Arab Film Festival in California and the Malmo Arab Film Festival in Sweden in April. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ The actor, who started his TV career in 1993 before he landed a role in 1998 film 'Aboud Ala El Hedoud,' will make an appearance at both events. A post shared by Arab Cinema Center (@arabcinemacenter) The Hollywood Arab Film Festival will take place in Glendale, California, from April 9-13, while the 15th edition of the Malmo Arab Film Festival will run from April 29-May 5. Helmy, 55, is a comedic actor known for his roles in 'Excuse My French' (2014) and 'Sorry To Disturb' (2008). He also made a guest appearance in 2024's Egyptian-Saudi co-production 'The Tale of Daye's Family,' by filmmaker Karim El-Shenawy.
See - Sada Elbalad
14-03-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Ahmed Helmy to Be Feted at 4th Hollywood Arab Film Festival
Egyptian actor Ahmed Helmy will be feted at the 4th edition of the Hollywood Arab Film Festival (HAFF), slated to run from April 9-13 at Look Cinema Glendale, California. The acclaimed actor will be feted for his outstanding cinematic work in the Egyptian and Arab film industry. Founded in 2022, HAFF is born right at the heart of Hollywood City, to provide Arab and North African filmmakers with the opportunity to gather, create, and showcase their work. The festival seeks to introduce world cinema professionals to the Arab film industry, shedding light on its uniqueness and distinction. It also aims at discussing the challenges facing the industry and ways to develop it. In recognition of the region's wealth in the film industry, HAFF aims to create a platform through which Western audiences can directly meet with Arab filmmakers to learn more about their cultural identity and the issues they are facing. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hollywood Arab Film Festival (@hollywoodarabfilmfestival) Born on November 18, 1969, Helmy, started his career in 1993 on the Egyptian Satellite Broadcast. He made his acting debut in the 1998 acclaimed film 'Aboud Ala El Hodoud' (Aboud on the Borders), co-starring with Alaa Waley El Din, and Karim Abdel Aziz. Thereafter, Helmy quickly made a jump to leading roles in films such as 'Omar 2000', 'El Nazer' (2000), 'El Selem We Al Tho'ban' (2001), and "Sahar El Layali" (2003). He has starred in more than 50 films during his career span and received numerous awards from Arab and International festivals. Throughout his career, Helmy achieved the highest box office revenues in Egypt and the Arab world.
