Egyptian director Youssef Chahine was born in Alexandria, Egypt, on 25/1/1926. He underwent a francophone education. He studied briefly at Egyptian universities and perused his education by joining the American Pasadena Playhouse, where he received his diploma in 1948.

Chahine directed his first film, Baba Amin, in 1950. His latest film Al Aakhar "The other "was released in 1999.

Over half a century, his directing career has been highly controversial. This controversy is for the most part due to Chahine's daring representation of Egyptian society, his invocation of history to comment on the past, his rejection of fanaticism and his open tackling of sexuality and other allegedly taboo issues. Despite these varying reactions, most film critics and viewers see Chahine as creative genius, a pioneer and the founder of a school of his own.

French President Jacque Chirac has bestowed on Chahine the Merit of Honor in an appreciation for Chahine's cinema heritage being a key role in realizing Arab-French rapprochement.

In a letter signed by him to Chahine, Chirac has noted that the French merit crowns Chahine's talent, works and skills, regarding him as a great friend to France.

Egyptian world-renowned filmmaker Chahine passed away on 27-7-2008 aged 82 years.

In a statement issued by the Presidency of the Republic, President Mubarak expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family of the late filmmaker and his fans.

Also, the Elysee Palace mourned the late filmmaker in a statement, saying "Chahine was an educated person who enjoyed great independence and was an advocate of mixing cultures."