His contributions to cinema extend to his production company, Al-Batrik, established in the 1990s, as well as the film magazine The Seventh Art, which published for seven years.
El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) has announced that Egyptian cinema icon Mahmoud Hemida will be honoured with the Career Achievement Award at its seventh edition, set to take place from October 24 to November 1, 2024.
Known for his versatility and contributions, Hemida has been a key figure in Egyptian cinema for decades, both as an actor and a producer. His profound impact on the industry extends beyond his memorable performances, as he has also played a pivotal role in promoting film culture through his production company Al-Batrik, founded in the 1990s, and by supporting the cinema-focused magazine The Seventh Art, which ran for seven years.
Hemida has worked with some of Egypt’s most acclaimed directors, starring in iconic films like 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.
Beyond his leading roles, Hemida’s supporting performances in films such as Al Imbrator (1990) alongside Ahmed Zaki and Shams El Zanaty (1991) with Adel Emam highlighted his range and skill as an actor. His continued success includes recent collaborations, such as Malek Wa Ketaba (Two Sides of the Coin, 2005) with Kamla Abu Zekry and Photocopy (2017), which premiered at the first edition of GFF.
Mahmoud Hemida’s career began in television, where he first gained fame with the hit series Abyad wa Aswad, alongside Salah Zulfiqar. His film debut in Al-Awbash (1986) with Yehia El-Fakharany marked the start of a cinematic journey. Hemida’s breakthrough role came in Tarek El-Telmissany’s Al Imbrator in 1990, establishing him as a prominent talent in Egyptian cinema.
Beyond his film work, Hemida has been a dedicated advocate for nurturing new talent. He founded Studio El-Momaseleen (Actors’ Studio), where he mentors emerging actors, imparting his expertise and insights into the craft.
Speaking about Mahmoud Hemida, Marianne Khoury, Artistic Director of El Gouna Film Festival, said: “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. 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.”
