The El Gouna Film Festival, one of the most anticipated cinematographic events in the Mena region, this year celebrates a giant of Egyptian cinema. During its 7th edition, which will take place from October 24 to November 1, 2024, the festival will pay an exceptional tribute to Mahmoud Hemida by awarding him the prestigious Excellence Prize for his entire career, thus rewarding his exceptional career.
Mahmoud Hemida is much more than a renowned actor: he is a real pillar of Egyptian cinema. For several decades, he has embodied significant roles, has produced memorable and supported films of daring cultural initiatives. His career, both behind and behind the camera, testifies to his immense talent and his deep commitment to cinematographic art.
As a producer, Mahmoud Hemida also helped shape the film industry in Egypt. His production company al-Batrik, founded in the 1990s, supported major cinematographic works. In parallel, his cinematographic review the Seventh artpublished for seven years, offered an essential criticism and an innovative look at the industry, making him a figure not only artistic, but also intellectual.
With films like Fares Al-Madina (1993) by Mohamed Khan, Harb El Farawla (1994) by Khairy Beshara and Afareet El Asfalt/Asphalt ghosts (1996) by Ossama Fawzy, Mahmoud Hemida marked the history of Arab cinema. His play as a powerful actor, whether main roles or memorable supporting roles, as in Al Ieex (1990) or Shams El Zanaty (1991), conquered the public and the criticisms.
Mahmoud Hemida continues to establish herself as one of the most versatile artists of his generation. Its role in Malek wa Ketaba (2005) by Kamla Abu Zekry, or in Photocopy (2017), presented during the first edition of the El Gouna Film Festival, demonstrates its ability to renew itself and reach the public with each project.
The announcement of this tribute to Mahmoud Hemida was greeted with enthusiasm. Marianne Khoury, artistic director of the festival, stressed the importance of this distinction: ” Mahmoud Hemida’s career is a cornerstone of Egyptian cultural life. His contributions go beyond the acting of the acting and touch on the very heart of our cinematic heritage. This prize recognizes not only its personal successes, but also the fundamental role of art in social and cultural challenges. »»
This award reflects how much Mahmoud Hemida has marked entire generations, both by his exceptional performances and by his commitment to promote and defend Arab cinema. Beyond his acting skills, his involvement in the production of films and his support for young artists through his studio, actors show a man deeply attached to the evolution of his art.
Since its early television in the series Abyad wa AswadMahmoud Hemida has continued to climb the ladder of success. He worked with the greatest Egyptian directors, like Youssef Chahine in Fate (1997) or ossama fawzy in GANNET EL-SHAYATEEN (1999), for which he won numerous international prizes.
Mahmoud Hemida has never stopped innovating and repelling the borders of cinema, both on the national and international scene. His films were rewarded in prestigious festivals around the world, testifying to the universal recognition of his talent.
The El Gouna Film Festival, since its creation, has established itself as an unmissable event for world cinema, with special attention paid to Arab films. By paying tribute to Mahmoud Hemida, the festival reaffirms its commitment to enhance the emblematic figures of Arab cinema while opening up to the world. This prize for excellence for his entire career awarded to Mahmoud Hemida is a deserved recognition of an extraordinary journey and proof of the lasting influence he exerts on Arab cinema.
While the curtain is about to get up on this 7th edition of the El Gouna film festival, the tribute paid to Mahmoud Hemida promises to be one of the highlights of the event. By celebrating the career of this living legend, the festival pays tribute not only to its talent, but also to the legacy which it bequeathed to an entire industry. A most deserved tribute to an artist who has known, throughout his career, to reinvent and enrich Egyptian and Arabic cinema.
