Renowned actor Hussein Fahmi, President of Cairo International Film Festival, received the « Arab Cinema Personality of the Year » award presented by Arab Cinema Center in its seventh edition, in recognition of his artistic career and contributions to the cinematic landscape regionally and internationally. The award was presented during the Critics’ Awards for Arab Films ceremony, held this day, on the sidelines of the 79th Cannes Film Festival.
The award was handed over by the founders of Arab Cinema Center, Alaa Karkouti and Maher Diab, who emphasized that the honor comes in appreciation of Fahmi’s continuous efforts in maintaining Egypt’s position as a pivotal hub for the film industry in the region.
This selection reflects the pivotal role Hussein Fahmi has played since his return to the presidency of Cairo International Film Festival in 2022, 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 Fahmi graduated from the Higher Institute of Cinema and holds a Master’s degree in Directing from the University of California. His repertoire includes over 200 artistic works, and several films starring him are listed among the top 100 Egyptian films. In addition to his artistic activity, he served as a Regional Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme. In celebration of his career, his photo graces the cover of the new issue of Arab Cinema Magazine, which is distributed during the Cannes Film Festival.
Actor Hussein Fahmi expressed his happiness with the honor, saying: « 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 that these initiatives are the way to restore the global standing of Arab art and ensure that our voice and talents reach everywhere. »
*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.
