Syrian Minister of Culture Maha Qannout has chosen Egyptian artist Nabila Ebeid and Syrian actress Raghda to be jury members for the 12th Damascus International Film Festival, which will kick off on November 3, according to the Arabic daily Al Sharq Al Awsat.
Ragdha has been a jury member in many such events, the last which was the Carthage International Film Festival, while Ebeid will be a novice.
“My ongoing principle is that I serve on a jury without any bias, except in favor of truly beautiful art. The film that touches my feelings and mind is the one to which I will give the prize, regardless of the nationality of this film,” Raghda told the daily.
Ebaid reiterated her delight at being chosen, saying “any artist with experience and long professional history can easily choose a good film and distinguish it from other films, because no two people would differ on art quality standards.”
Egypt will participate in the formal contest of the festival with two films: Al Saher (Magician), directed by Radwan Al Kashef and costarring Mahmoud Abdel Aziz, and Muwaten Wa Mhkhber Wa Harami (Citizen, Detective and Thief), directed by Daoud Abdel Sayyed and costarring the two young artists Khaled Abul Naga and Hend Sabri.
The event will also honor Egyptian actress Faten Hamamah and screenwriter Abdel Hay Adib.
Egyptian actor Adel Imam has been chosen as the festival’s guest of honor this year, and his film Amir Al Thalam is expected to be screened at the event.
This year's festival has opened its doors to entries from all countries, and is no longer limited to Arab, Asian, African and Latin American countries – Albawaba.com
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