Sharjah: Egyptian actor Ezzat Al Alaili will be recognised during the 35th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) taking place from November 2.
The SIBF is hosting him in appreciation of his significant contribution to Egyptian cinema over many decades, as well as for his creative film interpretations of some of the best Egyptian and Arabic novels, which were turned into films and TV series.
The acclaimed actor has been chosen for recognition not only for his many on-screen achievements, but also as a witness to the cultural and intellectual transformations in the Arab World.
Al Alaili portrayed unique Arabic characters throughout crucial transitions in history, from the 1950s until now.
Some of Al Alaili’s greatest screen contributions have included roles based on novels by renowned Arab authors in the 20th century.
The 82-year-old actor played the central character in the movie ‘Al Ikhtiar’ (The Choice), which was based on a novel by Naguib Mahfouz, winner of 1988 Nobel Prize for Literature.
He was also part of the celebrated film ‘Al Ard’ (The Land), which was based on a novel by Egyptian author Abd Al Rahman Al Sharqawi.
Produced in 1970 and directed by Yusuf Shaheen, filmmaking historians considered ‘Al Ard’ as one of the most important Egyptian films.
Movie critics ranked it as number two in the top 100 Egyptian films to celebrate the centenary anniversary of Egyptian cinema.
The importance of Al Alaili in a cultural context is evident throughout his TV and cinema career and in line with the vision of the SIBF.
