afrol News, 17 June - Egypt's most renowned film-maker is battling with survival at a Paris hospital. Admitted at an American hospital on Monday, doctors said Youssef Shahin's condition is "critical" but "stable."

The 82-year-old film-maker was first hospitalised for a sudden brain haemorrhage in Egypt on Saturday before doctors ordered him to be rushed to Paris within 48 hours. The transfer was evident by his worsening condition.

As a token of appreciation for the film-maker's excellent contribution to Egyptian cinema industry, President Hosni Mubarak had instructed the government to foot Shahin's medical expenses.

Born in Alexandria, he studied theatre arts and cinema at the Institute of Pasadena Playhouse in the United States for two years before cinematographer Alevise Orfanelli had introduced him to cinema.

At 23, Shahin was already in movie business. He directed his first film Papa Amin, and continues to direct all types of movies, including those dealing with globalization and terrorism issues.

And to nail the coffin, Egypt's most prominent flim director directed his last film, His last film, generating stormy debated in the country. Titled Heyda Fawda in Arabic, the last film portrayed police brutality, which until then, had been regarded as a highly sensitive issue in the North African country.

He bagged several awards, including Egypt's State Award in 1994 and the Cannes Festival Award in 1997.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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