After Widespread Controversy, Hussein Fahmy Settles the Debate Over the Cairo Film Festival Poster

Al-Taj News – Egyptian actor Hussein Fahmy, president of the Cairo International Film Festival, decided to reconsider the official poster for the festival’s 47th edition after a wave of criticism targeted the design, in which the late actress Shadia appeared with features different from the image familiar to the public.

Fahmy’s decision came following widespread controversy sparked by the poster on social media platforms and within Egyptian artistic circles, due to the use of artificial intelligence techniques to recreate an image of Shadia, who was chosen to feature prominently on the festival’s official poster.

Hussein Fahmy Acknowledges the Changes to Shadia’s Features

Fahmy explained that he had not noticed the problem initially, but discovered the differences in the late actress’s features after viewing the design in a larger format, affirming his intention to make the necessary amendments to the poster.

He emphasized his respect for the critical opinions, considering differences in viewpoints to be natural and professional criticism a legitimate right that does not warrant anger or sensitivity.

A number of followers had criticized the image used in the poster, arguing that it did not reflect Shadia’s actual features and did not do justice to her standing as one of the most prominent stars of Egyptian cinema and singing.

A Special Tribute to the Classics of Egyptian Cinema