Oran, Algeria – The 13th edition of the Oran International Arab Film Festival kicked off Thursday evening with a special tribute to prominent figures in Arab cinema. The opening ceremony celebrated the distinguished careers and significant contributions of Egyptian actress Nadia El Gendy, Syrian actor Ghassan Massoud, and Algerian director Rachid Bouchareb.
Nadia El Gendy, often referred to as “the People’s Star,” expressed her profound joy at receiving the honor, particularly from Algeria, a nation she described as having “presented an epic of steadfastness and resistance that continues to inspire every freedom lover in the world.” She remarked that the welcome she received in Oran was “extraordinary and beyond description,” adding that “Algeria appreciates art and artists, and its people have a refined taste for art.” El Gendy also highlighted her pride in participating early in her career in the film about Algerian freedom fighter, Jamila Bouhired, considering it one of the most important roles in her artistic life.
Ghassan Massoud stated that “Algeria exists in the conscience and in the home of every Syrian through its revolution, culture, and the sophistication of its people.” He further noted that “this love extends to hundreds of years, as Emir Abdelkader Al-Jazairi extinguished the strife in the Levant and prevented the bloodshed of Syrians, and everyone holds a distinguished place for him and the Algerian people.” Massoud, recognized for his diverse roles in both local and international productions such as “Al Zir Salem,” “Saladin,” “Kingdom of Heaven,” and “Pirates of the Caribbean,” was honored for his impactful career.
Algerian director Rachid Bouchareb conveyed his pride in being honored in his home country, Algeria, noting that it holds a special significance in Oran, the city where his mother resides. He emphasized that the recognition of his cinematic journey and his contributions to introducing Algerian cinema to the world is “a badge of honor that will give him greater impetus to continue his career for the same goal.”
The 13th Oran International Arab Film Festival, running until November 5th, features 63 cinematic works, with 34 competing in the feature film, short film, and documentary categories.
