Youssef Chahine, one of the most outstanding directors of Egyptian cinema, and the creative head credited with introducing Egyptian Cinema to the world was celebrated with a Google Doodle on Sunday, January 25.
The late director was born on 25 January 1926 in Alexandria. He began his education at a French Missionary school, and then continued his studies at Victoria College, which also graduated some brilliant talents such as fellow film directors Tewfik Saleh and Shadi Abdel Salam.
Originally wanting to be an actor, Chahine later decided to study Directing at the prestigious Pasadena Playhouse in California. He received his diploma in 1948.
Chahine was especially known for his innovative film techniques and variety in film content, thanks to his cosmopolitan upbringing in Alexandria.
He is also given credit for discovering the exceptional international Egyptian actor Omar Sharif, whom he gave his first role in 1954 in "The Blazing Sun."
One of Chahine's most-celebrated works are Cairo Station, Jamila the Algerian and Saladin.
You can read Chahine's full biography here.
