Major fire destroys iconic Al-Ahram Studio in Cairo

Ahram Online , Saturday 16 Mar 2024

A major fire in Cairo destroyed the 80-year-old Al-Ahram Studio in Cairo's Giza district - one of the Arab world's most prestigious and oldest film production houses.

studio  Al-Ahram
A huge fire ravages the historic studio Al-Ahram . Photo: Al-Ahram

 

Flames took over the building burning everything inside and spreading to three surrounding buildings which were evacuated before the blaze reached them.

The fire broke out hours after the filming for Al-Moalem, a Ramadan television series, finished.

Firefighters needed more than six hours to extinguish the blaze.

Media reported that the studio was destroyed, "including decorations, wood, places designated for photography, and corridors."

The Public Prosecution has opened an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Minister of Culture Nevine El-Kilany visited the afflicted site this morning to assess the extent of the losses and damage to the site and the surrounding neighbourhood.

 


PM Madbouly assessing the damage at the site

 

Al-Ahram Studio was founded in 1944 and built on 27,000 square metres (290,625 square feet) containing three production stages, a screening room, and an editing suite.

Countless Egyptian films and television series were produced there.

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