Houssine Fahmy Named Arab Cinema Personality of the Year at Cannes

In a glittering ceremony on the sidelines of the Cannes Film Festival, the Arab Cinema Centre (ACC) honored the legendary Egyptian actor Houssine Fahmy with the prestigious title of "Arab Cinema Personality of the Year." This accolade, marking its 7th edition, celebrates Fahmy's illustrious career and his unwavering dedication to elevating Arab cinema on the global stage.

The award ceremony, set to take place on May 16th at the "Plage des Palmes" during the Critics Awards for Arab Films, will see Fahmy receive this distinguished honor amidst a gathering of international film professionals. His extensive body of work, spanning over 200 films, television shows, and theatrical productions, is a testament to his enduring impact on the industry.

Beyond his on-screen presence, Fahmy's leadership as the head of the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) since 2022 has been transformative. Under his stewardship, the festival has witnessed significant advancements, including initiatives to support young talent through mentorship programs, a dedicated effort to preserve cinematic heritage via the restoration of Egyptian film classics, and a renewed commercial drive. This includes the successful re-establishment of the Egyptian pavilion at the Marché du Film in Cannes and the forging of new global partnerships, notably with China, opening avenues for cultural exchange.

“

This award salutes Houssine Fahmy's constant effort to maintain and strengthen Egypt's position as a central hub for the regional film industry.

Fahmy's journey began behind the camera, having graduated from the Higher Institute of Cinema in Cairo and earned a master's degree in directing from the University of California. His contributions have cemented his place among the icons of Egyptian cinema, with many of his films recognized among the "100 best films in the history of Egyptian cinema." His influence extends beyond acting, as he has also served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), highlighting his commitment to humanitarian causes.

Alaa Karkouti and Maher Diab, founders of the ACC, stated that the award recognizes Fahmy's continuous efforts to solidify Egypt's position as a central hub for the regional film industry. Fahmy himself expressed profound pride in the distinction, emphasizing the ACC's crucial role in amplifying Arab creativity on international platforms. To commemorate this achievement, Fahmy graces the cover of the latest issue of "Arab Cinema Magazine," distributed during the Cannes Film Festival.

“

the ACC's work is essential for making Arab creativity heard on global platforms.