Cannes Festival president praises Youssef Chahine

CAIRO - 25 December 2018: President of Cannes International Film Festival Thierry Frémaux stated that what makes the festival unique is the blend of its content, affirming that "In Cannes, the most important thing is cinema."

On Dec. 23, Frémaux told "It's Showtime", broadcasted on the CBC, that late Egyptian director Youssef Chahine is "a very important person, and it's our duty to protect his heritage and artistic contributions to the global cinema."


Late veteran director Youssef Chahine - Wikipedia

"I advise the young Egyptian directors to be themselves and fully express themselves in order to reach the global status and become unique," continued Frémaux.

Frémaux expressed his readiness to take part in Egyptian film festivals, commenting "If we are invited, we will go, and if we can offer any help, we will certainly do."

Also, Frémaux stressed his keenness to participate in the Gouna or Cairo film festivals.
Youssef Chahine was an Egyptian film director.

He was active in the Egyptian film industry from 1950 until his death. A winner of the Cannes 50th Anniversary Award, Chahine was credited with launching the career of actor Omar Sharif.

Chahine was born in Alexandria, Egypt, in a Catholic family of Lebanese descent. His father was an attorney originally from Zahle, Lebanon, and was a supporter of the Egyptian nationalist Wafd Party.

Chahine's mother, Claire Bastorous, was a tailor. Although Chahine was raised Catholic, he was not a believer in organized religion. When asked about his religion, he would say, "Egyptian". At home, the Chahines spoke five languages, which was common in cosmopolitan Alexandria at the time.

Fascinated by arts at an early age, young Chahine began to create shows at home for his family. Chahine began his education at the frères' school of Collège Saint Marc. Growing up, he attended Alexandria's elite Victoria College.

In 1946, Chahine convinced his parents to let him travel to Hollywood to study acting, where he attended the Pasadena Playhouse outside Los Angeles, California.

It is worth noting that Cannes Festival is an annual film festival held in Cannes, France, which previews new films of all genres, including documentaries, from all around the world.