By Nour El-Miligi
Youssef Chahine is with no doubt one of the most legendary, rebel Filmmakers ever came to history, who crafted more than forty artworks and was capable of making local films cut off national borders, introducing Egyptian Cinema to the world. He was well known for his special picks of controversial topics portraying social realism in his artworks on screens, which led him to deservedly win eminent awards.
Since we’re currently craving fine, artistic cinematic works, we’ve decided to take you to a mental trip going back in time, recalling Chahine’s most iconic movies that we are all fond of, which received national and international awards.
Bab Al Hadid
The tale tackling a complicated love relationship between three individuals working in Egyptian train-station was the first Egyptian movie to be nominated for an Oscar back in 1958 and was screened to French audiences. It was also a nominee of the Golden Berlin Bear Prize. Although the movie didn’t claim the mentioned awards, it was a huge step back then to be one of the nominees.
Al Ikhtyar,1971
A drama narrating a mysterious crime where a body was found two months after the death, trying to solve the murder case throughout the movie, won the Golden Tanit’ at the Carthage Film Festival.
Iskenderiye … leh?
The movie was the first in the series tackling Youssef Chahine’s autobiography. The film was special not only for narrating Chahine’s biography but also for citing Alexandria’s lifestyle during the period of World War Two. It examined social and political issues that sparked controversy and censorship from the government, yet is considered one of Chahine’s most important movies, winning multiple awards including the Silver Berlin Bear special Jury Prize and C.I.D.A.L.C. Diploma at the Berlin International Film Festival.
Al Masir, 1977
The 1977 year was surely the highlight of Chahine’s artistic career. Not only because his movie “Al Masir” was nominated at Amiens International Film Festival, but because he was honored at the Cannes Film Festival’s 50th anniversary, the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Heya Fawda, 2007
This problematic movie tackling political issues and provoking controversy, as usual, was Chahine’s last movie to direct. The movie was screened at both the Toronto and Venice Film Festivals.
Youssef Chahine passed away in 2008, but his phenomenal artworks will surely keep him alive for eternity.