23rd edition November 20th to 28th, 2026
23rd edition
20 to 28 November, 2026
Youssef Chahine was a pioneering Egyptian filmmaker whose socially conscious and deeply personal films explored the complexities of politics, identity, and society, establishing him as one of the most influential figures in Arab cinema. Among his most celebrated works are Destiny (Al Massir), a powerful plea for free thinking, and Alexandria… Why?, a semi-autobiographical reflection on the personal and political struggles that marked the beginning of his renowned Alexandria trilogy, which concluded with Alexandria, Again and Forever. In 1997, he received the 50th Anniversary Prize at the Festival de Cannes in recognition of his life’s work.
Following a breakup with Amir, his favorite actor, filmmaker Yeshia Eskandarany questions his life and reflects on their relationship, the problems the filmmaking profession faces with the infiltration of petrodollars, and the love he feels for his actors—a love whose nature can sometimes turn him into a dictator.
Director Youssef Chahine
Producer Humbert Balsan, Marianne Khoury
Screenwriter Youssef Chahine, Yousry Nasrallah
Cinematographer Ramses Marzouk
Art Director Mahmoud Mabrouk
Editor Rashida Abdel Salam
Sound Olivier Ducastel, Dominique Hennequin, Vincent Arnardi, Olivier Varenne
Music Mohamad Nouh
Production Companies La Sept, Mirs International Films, Paris Classics Productions
Distributor AMC Art