Youssef Chahine, one of the most influential figures in the history of Egyptian and Arab cinema, was born on 25 January 1926 in Alexandria. Over a career spanning more than five decades, the Egyptian director, filmmaker, actor and writer reshaped the language of cinema in the region and left a legacy that continues to influence filmmakers today.
Nearly 12 of Chahine&rsquo;s films were included in the Top 100 Egyptian Films list published by the Cairo International Film Festival, reflecting the scale of his impact on national cinema. His lifelong dedication to filmmaking was recognised internationally, most notably with the Cannes Film Festival&rsquo;s 50th Anniversary Prize, awarded in honour of his lifetime achievements.
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Early life and career
Chahine studied briefly at universities in Egypt before travelling to the United States, where he trained at the Pasadena Playhouse and earned his diploma in 1948. He made his directorial debut with "Papa Amin" in 1950, before the age of 24.
Among his most notable films is "The Blazing Sun,' which introduced Omar Sharif to international cinema. Other landmark works include "Struggle on the Pier" and "An Egyptian Story,' films that explored social change, identity and the human condition in Egyptian society. His final film, "Is It Chaos..?," was released in 2007.
A master at discovering stars
Chahine was widely regarded as a filmmaker with a rare ability to discover and shape talent. He persuaded international star Dalida to return to Egypt to appear in "Six Days" and played a key role in launching or developing the careers of several major Egyptian artists, including Mohamed Mounir, Amr Abdel Gelil, Ruby, Hany Salama and Yousra El Lozy.
Those who worked with him often noted his distinctive approach to casting, rooted in his ability to read character through the eyes, an instinct shaped by his own experience as an actor.
Chahine on screen
Alongside his work as a director, Chahine appeared as an actor in around 10 films. His most celebrated performance came in "Cairo Station" (1958), in which he played Qinawi. The role is widely regarded as one of the most powerful performances in Egyptian cinema history, and the film is ranked among the Top 100 Egyptian Films of All Time.
He also appeared in Destiny and in his semi-autobiographical Alexandria Trilogy, with each film reflecting a different stage of his personal and artistic life.
The Oscars and Arab cinema
Arab cinema&rsquo;s relationship with the Academy Awards began with "Cairo Station," which Egypt submitted in 1959, making it the first Arab film ever sent for Oscar consideration. Although it did not receive a nomination, the submission marked a significant milestone for Arab cinema on the international stage.
Despite having the largest film industry in the Arab world, Egypt has yet to secure an official nomination for Best International Feature Film.
Three further Chahine films were later submitted for Oscar consideration: Alexandria&hellip; Why? (1979), Alexandria Again and Forever (1990) and Destiny (1997).
International recognition
In 1979, Chahine won the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. Five of his films competed for the Palme d&rsquo;Or at Cannes, and in 1997 he received the festival&rsquo;s 50th Anniversary Prize for lifetime achievement. He was also honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Dubai International Film Festival in 2007.
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A lasting legacy
To mark the centenary of his birth, the French Institute in Alexandria is hosting a three-day celebration titled Alexandria Through the Eyes of Cinema from 26 to 28 January.
The programme opens on 26 January with an exhibition of Chahine&rsquo;s film posters, followed by screenings of the Alexandria Trilogy over three consecutive evenings. Alexandria&hellip; Why? will be shown on 26 January, Alexandria Again and Forever on 27 January, and Alexandria&hellip; New York on 28 January, with all screenings beginning at 7:00 pm.
Photo Credit: Misr International Films&rsquo; official page

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