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Egypt Today
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Today
Egypt's Cinematic Power Showcased at Cannes with Youssra and Hussein Fahmy Leading ‘Blockbuster Nation' Panel
Egypt took center stage at the Cannes Film Festival during the Arab Cinema Center's (ACC) flagship panel, 'Egypt: The Arab World's Blockbuster Nation.' Held on Thursday, May 15th, on the Palais' Main Stage, the session drew a full house and brought together some of the most influential voices shaping the future of Egyptian cinema. Moderated by Variety's Italy and Middle East correspondent Nick Vivarelli, the conversation blended nostalgia with forward-thinking vision. Panelists explored how Egypt is entering a new era — one driven by creative reinvention, investment in infrastructure, and global industry partnerships. Opening the session, Alaa Karkouti, co-founder of the Arab Cinema Center, underscored the moment's significance, 'This is a milestone year for Egyptian cinema. Our collaboration with the Cannes Marché du Film continues to grow, and once you begin working within the Egyptian industry, you don't just contribute, you become a part of it.' The first to speak was Egyptian superstar Youssra, a defining icon of Arab cinema for decades, who praised the dynamism of the new generation of filmmakers, describing them as daring, passionate, and full of promise. 'Egyptian cinema has always been out of the box — and now this new wave is bringing a fresh perspective,' she said. Reflecting on the nature of stardom, she added, 'Being a star means being part of people's lives — they follow your journey, they connect with you, and they decide whether to love the work or not. That connection is powerful.' Youssra also paid a heartfelt tribute to legendary filmmaker Youssef Chahine, crediting him with giving Egyptian cinema its first major international push at Cannes. 'He gave us our start abroad,' she noted, urging today's creators to keep pushing artistic boundaries. 'Now and then, we need to shock the audience with stories that make them think — especially in an age ruled by social media.' Next, legendary actor and President of the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) Hussein Fahmy spoke with deep conviction about Egypt's enduring cinematic roots. 'Cinema has always been part of Egypt's cultural identity — this is not something new to us,' he said. He also shared how CIFF is working to broaden its impact, not just within Downtown Cairo but in surrounding communities, with new hubs like its base at the Cairo Opera House and outreach initiatives through sub-grants. He also reflected on his experience at the El Gouna Film Festival: 'When I attend Gouna, I feel young again — even at 76. That's the kind of spirit we need. We're targeting youths.' Building on that energy, Amr Mansi, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the El Gouna Film Festival, recounted how the festival began — and his commitment to sustaining its growth. 'Our aim has always been to build a festival that shines year after year — not just as an event, but as a platform that empowers creators and brings cultures together.' The conversation then turned to the power of independent cinema. Director Morad Mostafa and producer Sawsan Yusuf, whose debut feature AISHA CAN'T FLY AWAY are competing in Cannes' Un Certain Regard, offered insight into their creative process and challenges. 'There have been many international films on the subject,' said Mostafa, 'but I wanted to explore it through the lens of Egyptian society — and non-Egyptian characters. To show strength, not just struggle.' He added that while creativity is growing, there's still a pressing need for more support in the ecosystem, 'We need more companies — in distribution, marketing, production, and sales — that are willing to take a risk, like MAD Solutions did, to support emerging filmmakers. I was also grateful for the support from the GFF last year for my short film. Short films deserve more backing.' Producer Sawsan Yusuf also emphasized the balancing act of making films that succeed artistically and commercially, saying, 'Festival films now have to sell — they're expected to do well at box offices. Audiences want stars. But we're not just competing locally; we're competing globally. Films like GOODBYE JULIA and CAPERNAUM proved that the more local and authentic a story is, the more it resonates internationally.' Wrapping up the panel, Ahmed Sami, General Manager of the Egypt Film Commission, spoke about the country's efforts to position itself as a key destination for international film productions. 'We started about five years ago with documentary films and then moved on to bigger projects; some were even shot near the Pyramids,' he said. 'We overcame huge challenges. For the first time, fake weapons were allowed on set in Egypt, and we secured approval to film with special forces and military helicopters.' He explained that Egypt now offers several incentives to filmmakers: 'There's cashback on services in Media Production City, discounts on equipment, cheaper airfare, and hotel deals for crews. Even though we don't yet have an official cash rebate system like some other countries, Egypt still stands out. Our prices are better, and our locations are incredible — from Pharaonic and Roman sites to Islamic and Christian landmarks.' The discussion closed with a strong message: Egyptian cinema is not just reliving its golden age — it's redefining it. From box office hits to critically acclaimed indie films, the industry is gaining traction at home and abroad. The panel showed how Egypt's mix of strong history, new ideas, and support from the government, festivals, and producers is helping its film industry grow again — and this should give us optimism for the future of Arab cinema around the world.
See - Sada Elbalad
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Arab Cinema Center Reveals 2025 Edition of Its Annual Golden 101 List
Yara Sameh Introducing this year's Golden 101 — inspired by the famous Palme d'Or from Cannes — the 25th Arab Cinema Magazine is showcasing the personalities that have made the largest impact in Arab filmmaking over the past year. The Golden 101 features a mix of talents and organizations that have contributed the most to Arab cinema in the last year. These individuals and groups are listed together in different categories, like directors, producers, actors, distributors, and more. Egypt leads the list with 41 entries, followed by Lebanon (20), Saudi Arabia (16), Palestine (12), Jordan (10), Tunisia (9), the UAE (1), Kuwait (2), Qatar and Sudan (3 each), and the rest from the UK (3), Morocco (2), Syria (2), the US (2), Italy (2), and one each from Iraq, Somalia, South Africa, Russia, France, Australia, and India. Leading the Golden 101 list is Egypt, Which boasts a strong presence with prominent stars such as Youssra, Hussein Fahmy (President of the Cairo International Film Festival), Ahmed Ezz, Ahmed Malek, Hesham Maged, Laila Elwi, and Nour El Nabawy. Behind the scenes are Mohamed Hefzy (Film Clinic), Tarek Alarian, Tamer Morsy (Synergy Films), Ahmed Amer (A. A. Films), Tarek El Ganainy, Heba Yousry, Ayman El Amir, Nada Riyad, Safy Eldin Mahmoud (RED STAR), Ahmed Fahmy and Hany Naguib (SEA CINEMA), Hala Lotfy (Hassala), Kesmat El Sayed (SEERA Films), Mohamed Said Abdel Rahim (Cairo Industry Days), Amr Mansi, Marian Khoury, Andrew Mohsen, Ahmed Shawky, Mariam Naoum, Abdel Salam Moussa, Mostafa El Kashef, Salah El Gehiny, Hesham Nazih, Wael Hamdy, Heba Othman, Gaby Khoury, Ramzy Khoury (Misr International Films), Tarek Nour (United Media Services), Nashwa Gad El-Hak (WATCH IT), Youssef El Shazly (Zawya), Alia Zaki, and the MAD Solutions Co-Founders Alaa Karkouti and Maher Diab, along with Kareem Samy (MAD Celebrity). View this post on Instagram A post shared by Arab Cinema Center (@arabcinemacenter) Lebanon ranks second with 20 notable names including Raya Abirached, Diamand Abou Abboud, Joe Kawkabani (OSN), Rola Karam (OSN), George Schoucair (Abbout Productions), Antoine Khalife (RSIFF), Rema Mismar and Soli Gharbiyeh (AFAC), Roger Abou Hedar (Film Gulf), Mario and Mario Jr. Haddad (Empire International), Gianluca Chakra (Front Row), Ignace Lahoud (Majid Al Futtaim Cinemas), Hamad Atassi (City Cinema), Selim Ramia, Jad Abi Khalil (Aflamna), Hania Mroue (Metropolis), director Reem Shuaib, cinematographer Christopher Aoun, and sound designer Rana Eid. Saudi Arabia maintains a strong presence with director Abdulaziz Al-Shalahi, producer Baho Baksh (RED STAR), Jumana Al-Rashid(Red Sea Foundation), Zain Zidan (Red Sea Market), Imad Iskandar (Red Sea Film Fund), Waleed Al-Ibrahim (MBC Group), Hadeel Kamel (ART), Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, Princess Lamia bint Majid Al Saud (Rotana), Mohamed Bin Fayez Wafa (Rotana Studios - Egypt), Abdullah Al-Rashed (Ithra), Turki Al-Sheikh (GEA), Abdullah Al-Qahtani (Film Commission), Faisal Baltyour (CineWaves & CEO of the Red Sea Foundation), Sultan Al-Hokair (muvi Cinemas), and Reda Al-Haidar (Roaa Media Ventures). From the UAE, the list features writer and filmmaker Butheina Kazim (founder and director of Cinema Akil). From Kuwait, the recognized names include Sheikha Dana Nasser Al-Sabah (Chairwoman of OSN) and Hisham Al-Ghanem (CEO of Cinescape). Qatar is represented by Fatma Al Remaihi (CEO of the Doha Film Institute), Hanaa Issa (Director of Film Funding Programs), and Yousef Al Obaidly (CEO of beIN Media Group). Jordan makes a strong contribution with 10 notable figures, including Amjad Al Rasheed, Suad Bushnaq, Rula Nasser, Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, and Princess Rym Ali (RFC), Mohannad Al Bakri (RFC), Nada Doumani (Amman International Film Festival), Bassam Al Asaad (Amman Film Industry Days), Samar Akrouk (MBC), and Moayyad Deeb (Metafora). Tunisia brings nine names led by Hend Sabri and Dhafer L'Abidine, along with Adam Bessa, Faysal Hsairi (Metafora), Lamia Belkaied Guiga (CNCI), Hedi Zardi (Atlas Workshops), composer Amine Bouhafa, producer Dora Bouchoucha, and Habib Attia. Also, from Morocco: director/producer Khalil Ben Kirane and Abdelaziz Bouzdaini (CCM). Palestine is represented by 12 personalities, including Kamel El Basha, Basel Adra, Hamdan Bilal, Sherin Dabis, Layla Abbas, Maha Haj, Mahdi Fleifel, Mohamed El-Mughanni, Scandar Copti, Rashid Masharawi, Mohamed Qablawi, and Alaa Salama (FilmLab Palestine). Additional influential names include Ameer Fakher El-Din (Syria), Arwa Nairabiya (Syria), Zaid Jawad (Iraq), Mohamed Alomda, Amjad Abu Alala, and Noha El Tayeb (Sudan/Netflix), Mo Harawe (Somalia), Natasha Matos Hemingway (South Africa), Roman Shemansky (Russia/Yango Play), Remi Bonhomme (France), Adon Quinn (Australia), Sam Barnett and Mia Edde (UK/beIN), Mahsa Moatamedy (Film AlUla), Colin Brown (UK/MAD Solutions), Shivani Pandya Malhotra (India), Lacy Toh and Marco Orsini (US/IEFTA), Vincenzo Bugno and Alessandra Speciale (Italy/Final Cut Venice). From May 2024 to April 2025, these individuals and institutions have helped move Arab cinema forward, whether by making films, organizing festivals, closing important deals, or supporting new talent. Each one earned their place through genuine impact. For the full Golden 101, check it out on 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 Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with 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 Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War
Vogue Arabia
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue Arabia
The Best Dressed Arab Celebrities at The Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes Film Festival is as much a celebration of cinematic brilliance as it is a showcase of high fashion. This year, Arab celebrities made a striking impression on the red carpet, exuding elegance, cultural pride, and sartorial excellence. From bold color choices to timeless silhouettes, here are the standout Arab style icons who turned heads at Cannes 2025. Amina Khalil in Rami Kadi Egyptian actress Amina Khalil captivated the crowd in a soft pink feathered gown designed by Lebanese couturier Rami Kadi. The ethereal creation, with its delicate textures and dreamy silhouette, was complemented by dazzling Chopard jewels. Khalil's look struck the perfect balance between romance and sophistication — a true show-stopper. Nadine Nassib Njeim in Tamara Ralph Lebanese beauty Nadine Nassib Njeim brought architectural elegance to the red carpet in a structured, white gown by Tamara Ralph. The sleek design hugged her figure in all the right places, while her choice of shimmering Marli diamonds added a contemporary touch of glamour. Youssra in Rami Kadi Veteran Egyptian actress Youssra proved once again why she's a red carpet legend. Draped in a striking red Rami Kadi gown that radiated confidence and class, she paired the look with statement Chopard jewels. Her appearance was a nod to classic Cannes glamour, with a bold, regal twist. Bella Hadid in Saint Laurent Always one to command attention, Palestinian-Dutch supermodel Bella Hadid stunned in a sleek, figure-hugging black gown by Saint Laurent. The minimalist silhouette allowed her emerald Chopard diamonds to shine — literally and figuratively. Bella's look was the epitome of high-fashion allure: bold, effortless, and unforgettable. Raya Abirached in Georges Chakra TV host and media personality Raya Abirached graced the red carpet in a rich mocha-toned gown by Georges Chakra. The gown's flowing structure and earthy hue perfectly complemented her skin tone and presence. She completed the look with Cartier jewellery, proving that elegance doesn't need to shout to make a lasting impression.
Emirates Woman
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Emirates Woman
2025 Cannes Film Festival: The best dressed Arabs on the red carpet
The 2025 Cannes Film Festival has begun and its a global stage for cinematic excellence, but beyond the films and awards, it is also a celebration of fashion at its most extravagant. In 2025, Arab celebrities once again proved that they are forces to be reckoned with on the red carpet, blending cultural heritage with contemporary haute couture in breathtaking ways. This year, the festival's iconic steps were graced by some of the most influential Arab stars, each making a statement that transcended borders and redefined elegance. Leading the charge was Egyptian actress Amina Khalil, who turned heads in a custom-made masterpiece by Lebanese designer Rami Kadi—a gown that seamlessly merged architectural precision with ethereal romance. Meanwhile, legendary actress Youssra, a perennial Cannes favorite, dazzled in another Rami Kadi creation, embodying timeless grace with a modern twist. Lebanese actress Nadine Nassib Njeim brought drama to the red carpet in a show-stopping design by Tamara Ralph, styled by Mohieb Dahabieh, while Lebanese TV personality Raya Abirached shimmered in a look that fused Georges Chakra's bold craftsmanship with the opulence of Cartier's high jewelry. As the curtains close on Cannes 2025 Day 1, the Arab stars who graced the festival have left an indelible mark on its legacy. Amina Khalil, Youssra, Nadine Nassib Njeim, and Raya Abirached didn't just meet the high standards of red-carpet glamour—they exceeded them, proving that Middle Eastern style is not just following trends but setting them. 2025 Cannes Film Festival: The best dressed celebrities from the red carpet on day 1 Amina's custom Rami Kadi gown, with its intricate detailing and fearless silhouette, was a love letter to Lebanese craftsmanship, while Youssra's choice to return to the designer underscored the enduring power of Arab couturiers on the world stage. Nadine's Tamara Ralph ensemble, styled by Mohieb Dahabieh, was a masterclass in sophistication, blending Western haute couture with a distinctly Levantine sensibility. And Raya's pairing of Georges Chakra's sculptural design with Cartier's legendary jewels was a reminder that Arab women have long been at the forefront of luxury and refinement. Beyond the sequins and silk, these appearances carried deeper significance, they were a celebration of Arab creativity, resilience, and the unshakable confidence of women who wear their heritage with pride. As the fashion world continues to look to the Middle East for inspiration, these stars have ensured that the region's influence will only grow stronger. Images: Instagram & Feature Image: Instagram
Egypt Today
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Today
Egypt's Cinematic Icons Take the Spotlight at Cannes in ACC's Power Panel
Egypt is in the spotlight, and it's more than just a film this time! As part of its long-standing partnership with the Cannes Film Festival, the Arab Cinema Center (ACC) is presenting one of this year's must-see panels: 'Egypt: The Arab World's Blockbuster Nation,' happening on Thursday, May 15th at 11:30 to 12:30 am on the Main Stage. Long a cultural powerhouse, Egyptian cinema is rewriting its story with a new generation of filmmakers, producers, and iconic figures leading the way. The energy is real. From festival buzz to box office wins, Egypt is not merely reflecting on its Golden Age; it is actively constructing a new one, consistently leaving its mark on the global film industry. The panel will be moderated by Nick Vivarelli, Variety's Italy and Middle East correspondent, renowned for his in-depth knowledge of global cinema. He will guide a discussion with key names shaping Egypt's evolving screen identity. On stage will be the legendary Youssra — a defining face of Arab cinema for decades — former chairperson of Orascom Development and President of the El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) Samih Sawiris, and screen icon and President of the Cairo International Film Festival Hussein Fahmy. Also joining the lineup are Amr Mansi, cultural entrepreneur and Co-Founder & Executive Director of the El Gouna Film Festival (GFF); Ahmed Badawi, Head of the Egypt Film Commission and a key player in modernizing the country's film industry; and director Morad Mostafa and producer Sawsan Yusuf, whose debut feature AISHA CAN'T FLY AWAY will premiere at this year's Cannes Un Certain Regard section. For sure, the discussion will explore how Egypt is opening doors to global co-productions, investing in infrastructure, attracting private equity, and supporting a new generation of bold storytellers. It's not just about reflecting on the past; it's about shaping the future.
