The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Image via Arab News

Adel Emam’s 2024 Joy Awards retirement announcement by his sons, actor Mohamed Emam and director Rami Emam, marks the end of an era, leaving behind a cinematic legacy for generations. Here are six cinematic pieces by the renowned star Al Za’eem that we will never forget.

Ehna Bto’ El Autobees 

Released in 1979, Ehna Bto’ El Autobees was a turning point in Egyptian cinema. The movie revolves around two protagonists, Jaber and Marzouq, whose neighbourhood feud escalates, leading to their arrest by the police. Unexpectedly, they become entangled in political turmoil under multiple charges. The movie takes us on their journey as they navigate a brutal journey behind bars. Under the direction of Hussein Kamal, Adel Emam starred as Jaber.

El Lee’b Ma’a El Kobar

Directed by Sharif Arafah and Saeed Hamed, El Lee’b Ma’a El Kobar was another great moment in Adel Emam’s career. Revolving around Hassan Bahloul, the role played by Emam, the protagonist sees crimes happening on the ground in his dreams. The story begins to unfold when he tells this to Captain Motasem Al Alfy. Alongside his co-stars, Hussein Fahmy, Mahmoud El Gendy, and Ayda Ryad, the movie sheds light on corruption and crime in the Egyptian community.

El Hareef

Directed by Mohamed Khan, El Hareef was the first Egyptian movie to highlight street football. Filmed at Alexandria’s El Falaky tournament for street football, possibly the largest street football tournament in Egypt,  El Hareef shed light on street talents and resulted in thousands visiting the El Falaky tournament, especially in 1983, the year of the movie’s release.

El Bahth ‘Aan Fadeeha  

The comedy-drama El Bahth ‘Aan Fadeeha was directed by Niazi Moustafa in 1973. With a stellar cast, including Mervat Amin, Samir Sabry, Mimi Chakib, and Youssef Wahbi, alongside Adel Emam as the protagonist, the movie was guaranteed to be a success. With a simple storyline, Majdi, played by Emam, is a naive young man who asks his friend Sami to introduce him to women and falls in love with Hanan.

Ragol Faqad ‘Aaqlo 

Released in 1980, the comedy-drama revolves around Ahmad, who is having an affair with a dancer. Later, he decides to marry her, but his sons, one of whom is played by Adel Emam, learn about their relationship.

Khally Balak Men ‘Aaqlak 

With music composed by Omar Khairat and under the direction of Mohamed Abdul Aziz, the movie was destined to become a success with a perfect harmony of events and music. Co-starring Emam was everyone’s favourite television icon, Sherihan. 

Salam Ya Sahby

Directed by Nader Galal, Salam Ya Sahby was yet another central turning point in Emam’s career. The movie is one of Egypt’s cinematic masterpieces, played by Adel Emam, Sa’eed Saleh, and Sawsan Badr.