Egyptian auteur Marianne Khoury awarded France's highest honour

Renowned director received the Legion of Honour, the country's most distinguished accolades, at the French embassy in Cairo on Wednesday

Egyptian filmmaker Marianne Khoury is the niece of celebrated Egyptian director Youssef Chahine, with whom she worked on a number of films. AP
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Renowned Egyptian filmmaker Marianne Khoury on Wednesday was awarded the Legion of Honour, France’s highest accolade.

The distinguished auteur was given the prize by France’s ambassador to Egypt, Marc Barety, at a ceremony at the French embassy in Cairo.

Khoury is the niece of celebrated Egyptian director Youssef Chahine, with whom she worked on a number of films.

Her filmography includes a number of acclaimed documentaries and films. Her latest work, a deeply personal documentary about four generations of women in her family, had its premiere in 2019 at Amsterdam’s International Documentary Festival.

The film blends extensive archival footage of some of the most intimate moments in her family’s past.

Identity, particularly that of women, is a central focus of many of Khoury’s films.

Aside from her artistic work, Khoury is a pillar of Cairo’s art scene, and is widely celebrated as a bridge between the underground art world of the Egyptian capital and the mainstream.

A managing partner at the Cairo-based Misr International Films, one of Egypt’s most prolific production companies, Khoury cofounded the Panorama of European Film, one of the most popular cultural events in the country.

The festival typically highlights lesser known films from around the world.

She has also served as a jury member on a number of internationally recognised festivals, including the Venice International Film Festival.

Created by Napoleon Bonaparte, the Legion of Honour is presented on behalf of the French head of state to honour the most deserving people in a number of fields.

It is awarded to both French and non-French citizens — provided they have served France or its ideals.

Updated: May 09, 2023, 1:08 PM