ET commemorates birth anniversary of legendary Yusuf el-Sebai

CAIRO - 17 June 2021: Yusuf el-Sebai was an army officer, novelist, journalist and minister of culture, a multifunctional man by all means. He wrote many works that turned into successful cinematic works, including 10 works of the 100 best films in the history of Egyptian cinema. 

Sebai was born on June 17, 1917, and outside the borders of his homeland was killed in 1978. Today, June 17, is the birth anniversary of the iconic man. 

During his lifetime, Sebai did not stop at writing novels; he occupied several significant positions, including the minister of culture, editor in chief of Al-Ahram National newspaper and the head of the Journalist’s Syndicate. Also, Sebai had an effective role in establishing the Supreme Council of Arts and Literature. 

Through his writings, the prominent writer was able to chronicle the 1952 revolution, the aftermath of the war of attrition and the positive vibes of the October war. 

In the following lines, Egypt Today sheds light on Sebai’s most famous films depicting his novels that were published specifically for the political events taking place in Egypt at the time. 

Rod Qalbi 

This is one of the most powerful accounts of the pre-July 1952 revolution period. It portrays the previous feudal domination of the land, classism and injustice that took hold of the Egyptian society during that era. The novel was turned into one of the most successful films depicting the 1952 revolution in 1957. 

Hata Akher el-Omr (Until the last breath) 

The film illustrates the impact of war on the lives of individuals, and the negative consequences that prevail. The film stars include Mahmoud Abdel Aziz, Omar Khorshid and Najwa Ibrahim. It is the production of 1975, and is the story, script and dialogue of Youssef Sibai. The film's music was composed by Nina Rahbani. 

Gafat al-Domoo (No more tears) 

The novel was political, with a romantic love story happening on the sidelines. The novel focused on the unity between Egypt and Syria and the events that preceded it through the character of Sami, the famous journalist and politician. Sami falls in love with an infamous singer struck by numerous rumors. 

El-Omr Lahza (Life is short) 

This novel speaks of the situation that preceded the victory of October 6, 1973 in the war of attrition. It describes the political situation, exploiting power, and corrupt citizens making use of the sacrifices of the soldiers fighting in the battlefield. 

Aqwa Min el-Zaman (Stronger than time) 

This novel depicts Egypt in the era of building the High Dam and the ambitions and dreams that accompanied this period in the history of Egypt, shedding light on the challenges the country faced.