For its 14th edition, the Malmo Arab Film Festival has also selected Beshara to preside over the jury responsible for assessing feature films.
Malmö Arab Film Festival has announced its plans to honour the Egyptian filmmaker Khairy Beshara during its upcoming 14th edition. Scheduled to unfold from April 22 to 28 in Malmö, Sweden, the festival will pay tribute to Beshara for his remarkable body of work, which has left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape.
Khairy Beshara, known for his groundbreaking efforts in reshaping realism within Egyptian cinema, emerged as a trailblazer following his graduation from the Higher Institute of Cinema in 1967. Armed with a two-year scholarship in Poland, Beshara embarked on a journey marked by a string of narrative and documentary films, including acclaimed works like The Collar and the Bracelet, A Day Like Any Other, and Ice Cream in Gleem. Notably, he is credited as one of the pioneers of digital filmmaking in the Arab world and has also ventured into the realm of musical plays. His literary prowess shines through his debut novel, Chinese Pride, published in 2023, which is poised for adaptation onto the silver screen.
Speaking about the honour bestowed upon him by the Malmö Arab Film Festival, Beshara said: “This journey is a lifetime of love, passion, friendships, hardships and challenges, but also pleasure, victory, and discovery of myself and the world around me.”
Muhammad Keblawi, Management and Artistic Consultant of the Malmö Festival, lauded Beshara’s contributions, and added: “The honour bestowed upon director Khairy Beshara by the Malmo Film Festival is a recognition of his effective contribution to enriching Egyptian cinema with his exquisite artistic works.” Keblawi further emphasised Beshara’s ability to encapsulate the essence of humanity’s stories, struggles, and dreams through his cinematic endeavours, cementing his status as one of Egypt’s preeminent filmmakers.
In a testament to Beshara’s esteemed stature, the festival has appointed him to chair the jury for feature films in its current edition. Joining Beshara on the esteemed panel are luminaries such as Palestinian producer and director May Odah, Saudi film critic Dr Mohammed Albashair, Tunisian actress Souhir Ben Amara, and Emirati director and producer Nahla Al Fahad.
Additionally, the festival’s short film jury comprises Palestinian actor Ashraf Barhom, Moroccan journalist and Casablanca Film Festival director Fatema Nouali Azar, and Iraqi director Ali Kareem.
Barhom stated: “As an actor, I have noticed the MAFF for many years and witnessed its progression, led by a dedicated team, into becoming a unique platform supporting Arab filmmakers. Such a festival provides a space where filmmakers can connect to enhance their creative voice. I am proud to be part of this valuable festival at this stage and believe many future successes are still to come.”
