Arab Cinema Center announced awarding great artist Hussein Fahmy, President of Cairo International Film Festival, the « Arab Cinema Personality of the Year » award in its seventh edition, in recognition of his artistic career and contributions to the cinematic scene regionally and internationally.
Artist Hussein Fahmy is scheduled to receive this honor during the Critics’ Awards for Arab Films ceremony, set to be held on Saturday, May 16, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Plage des Palmes, on the sidelines of the 79th Cannes Film Festival.
This selection reflects the pivotal role Hussein Fahmy has played since his return to the presidency of Cairo International Film Festival in 2022, along with his initiatives to support talents, initiate the restoration of Egyptian cinema classics, and restore the presence of the Egyptian Pavilion at the Cannes Film Market. He also contributed to expanding the activities of « Cairo Industry Days, » and forging strategic partnerships with major institutions and festivals in China.
Hussein Fahmy graduated from the High Cinema Institute and holds a Master’s degree in Directing from the University of California. His repertoire includes over 200 artworks, and several films starring him are listed among the top 100 Egyptian films. Alongside his artistic activity, he served as a Regional Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme. In celebration of his career, he graces the cover of the new issue of Arab Cinema Magazine, distributed during Cannes Film Festival.
Expressing his happiness with the honor, artist Hussein Fahmy stated: « I am happy with this honor from Arab Cinema Center, and I value their clear efforts in supporting Arab cinema and exporting our creativity to international platforms. I fully believe these initiatives are the way to restore the global standing of Arab art and ensure our voice and talents reach everywhere. »
In the announcement statement, Arab Cinema Center founders, Alaa Karkouti and Maher Diab, explained that this honor comes in appreciation of Fahmy’s continuous efforts in maintaining Egypt’s position as a pivotal hub for filmmaking in the region.
About Cairo International Film Festival
Cairo International Film Festival was established in 1976 and is held annually under the auspices of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture. It is classified among Category A international festivals and holds official accreditation from the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF), being the only festival in the Arab world and Africa to obtain this prestigious accreditation
