BA Launches Project to Document Faten Hamama’s Life
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The BA has begun documenting the life of the late actress Faten Hamama (The Lady of the Arabic Screen), with the help of her husband Dr. Mohamed Abdel Wahab. The BA has received numerous pictures of Hamama throughout her career, as well as a press archive of the late actress. These efforts are part of the project launched by the BA Special Projects Department that aims to document the pioneers of the seventh art and to preserve Egypt’s modern and contemporary history.
Born on 27 May 1931 in Cairo, Faten Hamama was able to leave her mark as she was characterized by her powerful dramatic performance throughout her long artistic career, which began with her role as Aneesa in the film A Happy Day when she was only eight years old.
Considered by many as a landmark of Arab cinema due to her noteworthy portrayal of female roles, she was selected as Best Actress at the Egyptian Cinema’s 100th anniversary celebrations in 1996, and 18 of her films were chosen among the 150 best Egyptian motion pictures. In 2000, she received the Star of the Century Award from the Egyptian Writers and Critics Organization. She was also awarded the National Order of the Cedar (Lebanon) and the Decoration of Intellectual Competence (Morocco).
Faten Hamama passed away on 17 January 2015 at the age of 83 due to health issues. An exhibition showcasing the late actress’ belongings and a celebration commemorating her life are set to take place at the BA Sinnari House in Cairo.