Scene from Series 'Zat' (Photo: Still from series)
CAIRO – 17 September 2017: “Never set the barriers foreground your eyes; if you have a real passion try and try then try,” cinematographer and the first Egyptian female Director of Photography (DOP) Nancy Abd El-Fatah said in a seminar on Friday at Photopia.
A graduate of the Faculty of Fine Arts majoring in Interior Design, Abdel Fattah began photographing without any formal experience.
Her first experience as a DOP was shooting the Egyptian drama film, “Fi Shaket Masr El Gedeeda” (In the Apartment of Masr El Gedida), where she worked with late film director Mohamed Khan who supported her and gave her great confidence in her work.
Her passion for photography led her to a number of exhibitions, where she exhibited her works during her years in university.
Abd El-Fattah’s passion later developed for cinematography, and she applied to study at the Higher Institute of Cinema, majoring in photography at a time when few female students were admitted.
Establishing her career in 2004, Abdel- Fattah released her first short movie “El-Banat Dol” (Those Girls) revolving around the lives, struggles, and dreams of street girls. The film led Abdel- Fattah to develop her photography and cinematography career.
"Before working, I watch a lot of works to allow myself to be more creative and work better," she told Egypt Today.
About her successful duo with film director Kamlah Abu-Zikri, Abdel-Fattah said that there’s a high level of harmony between her and Kamlah; they both share common viewpoints.
In 2009, Abdel Fattah won the Dubai International Film Festival award for the movie “Wahed Sefr” as the best cinematographer.
Photopia is a space for the photography community in Egypt founded by two enthusiastic photographers. It offers a wide range of services, including a studio, a gallery, workshops, and a bookstore.
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