“The festival has caused a big cultural and artistic movement in Saudi Arabia,” Fahmy said during the event, thanking the festival and those who collaborated in restoring the classic Egyptian film.

Khaly Balak Men Zouzou (Watch out for Zouzou, 1972), starring Fahmy and Soad Hosny, was restored by the festival in collaboration with the Arab Radio and Television Network (ART), the Egyptian Ministry of Culture’s investment holding company for cinema, and the Media Production City in Egypt.

A landmark film in Egypt’s cinematic history and one of the most important films of Soad Hosny (1943-2001), Khaly Balak Men Zouzou was directed by Hassan El-Emam and written by Salah Jaheen.

The screening was attended by many renowned filmmakers and actors including Egyptian stars Lebleba and Yousra, who has been selected for the festival’s GOLD YUSR Honorary Award.

The film was restored as part of the festival’s Treasures section, which also restored another Egyptian classic; Gharam fil Karnak (Love in Karnak, 1965) – the Reda Troupe masterpiece by director Ali Reda – as well as a number of films from across the globe.

Running until 10 December with dozens of acclaimed international and Arab filmmakers and actors attending, the second edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival is showcasing 131 feature and short films from 61 countries in 41 languages, including 34 world premieres, 17 Arab premieres and 47 Middle East and North Africa premieres.

The festival is led by Mohammed Al Turki, who warmly welcomed Fahmy during the film screening.

The 82-year-old Fahmy – who led the 2022 Cairo International Film Festival after a 21-year absence (1998-2001) – has starred in many important films throughout his career, including Amira Hobby Ana (1975), Layla Baka Fiha El-Qamar (1980), El-A’ar (1982), Gary El-Wohoush (1987), Eskendereya Kaman wi Kaman (1990), El-Lea’b Ma’a El-Kobar (1991), and most recently El-Kahen (2021).

Follow us on:

Facebook

Instagram

Whatsapp