Kamal El-Mallakh

📖 Biography

archaeological, and cinematic history. Globally renowned as the visionary founder of the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) in 1976, El-Mallakh successfully placed Egypt on the map of prestigious global film events, cementing its status as the Hollywood of the Middle East. Beyond his monumental contribution to cinema, El-Mallakh was a world-famous archaeologist who famously discovered the intact Solar Boats (Khufu ships) next to the Great Pyramid of Giza in 1954. A pioneering film critic and cultural journalist, he established the arts section at Al-Ahram newspaper, mentoring generations of filmmakers and documenting the golden age of Arab cinema with brilliant critical insight. Profession: Film Festival Founder, Film Critic, Cultural Journalist, and Archaeologist. Key Legacy: Founder of the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) and discoverer of the Khufu Solar Boats. Cultural Impact: A pioneer of Arab film criticism, cultural journalism, and global cinematic exchange.

Other works1

Tallaqni

2025 · Film Editor