As part of its highly anticipated 7th edition, scheduled to run from October 24th to November 1st, 2024,  El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) is thrilled to announce that the prestigious Career Achievement Award will be presented to Egyptian cinema icon Mahmoud Hemida.

Renowned for his versatility, innovation, and a storied career that spans decades, Mahmoud Hemida is celebrated for his profound contributions to Egyptian cinema. Both in front of and behind the camera, he has left an indelible mark on the industry, not only through his unforgettable performances but also through his work as a producer and supporter of film culture.

Hemida has been instrumental in shaping Egyptian cinema, whether through his production company Al-Batrik, founded in the 1990s, or by backing the cinema-focused magazine The Seventh Art, which ran for seven consecutive years, offering critical insights into the world of film.

His extensive body of work includes collaborations with some of Egypt’s most esteemed directors. Memorable films such as Fares Al-Madina/City Knight (1993) by Mohamed Khan, Harb El Farawla /Strawberry Wars (1994) with Khairy Beshara, and Afareet El Asfalt/Asphalt Ghosts (1996) by Ossama Fawzy…, have cemented his legacy as a beloved and highly respected figure both within the industry and among audiences.

Hemida’s powerful supporting roles in films such as Al Imbrator (1990) alongside Ahmed Zaki and Shams El Zanaty (1991) with Adel Emam showcased his extraordinary range and acting prowess. 

Hemida continues to be among the finest artists of his generation, alternating smoothly between a wide variety of roles and leaving his unmatched artistic touch on every project he participates in. His collaborations with director Kamla Abu Zekry in Malek Wa Ketaba /Two Sides of the Coin (2005) and with director Tamer Ashry in Photocopy (2017), which had its world premiere at the inaugural edition of the El Gouna Film Festival, are prime examples of his adaptability and influence.

Celebrating this announcement, Marianne Khoury, Artistic Director, El Gouna Film Festival, remarked:  “Mahmoud Hemida’s illustrious career is a cornerstone of Egyptian cultural life. His contributions go far beyond acting; they extend into the very fabric of our cinematic heritage. This award is not just a recognition of his personal achievements but a tribute to the role of art in confronting social and cultural challenges.” She added “It is our way of expressing our deep appreciation for Hemida’s artistic innovation and timeless contributions. His career serves as an inspiration for all artists, showing how one can continuously evolve while staying true to their craft.” 

About Mahmoud Hemida

Mahmoud Hemida’s career began in television, where he gained widespread recognition with the hit series Abyad wa Aswad, co-starring Salah Zulfiqar. His film debut in Al-Awbash (1986) alongside Yehia El-Fakharany marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey in cinema. His breakthrough role came in Tarek El-Telmissany’s Al imbrator in 1990, solidifying his place as a major talent in Egyptian film.
Mahmoud Hemida’s illustrious career includes collaborations with some of Egypt’s most prominent directors. After his impressive debut in Cinema, he starred in Shams El Zanaty (1991), directed by Samir Seif. He worked with Atef El-Tayeb on Enzar Belta’a / Summons to Obedience (1993) and with Mohamed Khan on Al-Fares wal-Madina / City Knight (1993). Hemida teamed up with Khairy Beshara for Harb El-Farawla / Strawberry Wars (1994) and Raafat El-Mihi for Qaleel Min al-Hob, Katheer Min al-‘Unf / A Little Love, Much Violence (1995). In 1995, he also worked with Ali Badrakhan on Al-Ragol Al-Thaleth / The Third Man. His memorable performance in Afareet El-Asfalt / Asphalt Ghosts (1996) was directed by Ossama Fawzy, followed by his collaboration with Youssef Chahine in the masterpiece Al-Maseer / Destiny (1997). 

Hemida returned to work with Ossama Fawzy in Gannet El-Shayateen / Fallen Angels of Paradise (1999). The film based on Brazilian writer Jorge Amado’s novel Two Deaths of Quincas Wateryell won more than 15 awards including the Horus award for Best Actor for Hemida’s portrayal of Tabl the protagonist of the story at the Cairo International Film Festival.  In 2005, he worked with Kamla Abu Zekry on Malek wa Ketaba / Two Sides of the Coin, and more recently, he starred in Photocopy (2017), directed by Tamer Ashry. Hemida’s enduring career is a testament to his versatility and his ability to bring depth to a wide range of roles

In 1996, Hemida founded Al-Batrik his own independent production company, which produced several landmark films, including Gamal Abdel Nasser (1998), Malek Wa Ketaba / Two Sides of the Coin (2005), and Geld Hayy / Living Skin (2010), directed by Ahmed Fawzy. Al Batrik’s work has garnered international recognition, with films winning awards and acclaim at various international film festivals.

In the 1990s, Mahmoud Hemida launched Al-Fan Al-Sabe (The Seventh Art), a specialized cinema magazine that garnered significant acclaim for its insightful coverage of the film industry and its artistic trends. 

In addition to his work in film, Hemida has been a passionate advocate for nurturing new talent, founding Studio El-Momaseleen (Actors' Studio), where he has mentored emerging actors, sharing his expertise and knowledge of the craft.

Throughout his distinguished career, Mahmoud Hemida has garnered numerous accolades. He received the Best Actor Award from the Egyptian Film Critics Association for his role in Al-Ragol Al-Thaleth (The Third Man) as also for his unforgettable performance in Afareet El-Asfalt /Asphalt Ghosts. Additionally, he earned the Best Actor Award from the Catholic Cinema Center, Cairo for his role in Malek wa Ketaba / Two Sides of the Coin. El Gouna Film Festival’s Career Achievement Award will be a fitting tribute to a career filled with richly deserved recognition.

About El Gouna Film Festival

El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) is one of the premier cultural events in the MENA region, dedicated to showcasing a diverse array of films from around the world, with a thoughtful emphasis on Arab cinema. The festival aims to engage a passionate and knowledgeable audience while fostering dialogue and understanding between cultures through the universal language of filmmaking. A key objective of GFF is to connect filmmakers from the Arab world with their international peers, promoting collaboration and cultural exchange.