Legendary Egyptian Director Nader Galal Passes Away

It’s a dark day for Egyptian cinema as acclaimed director, writer, and producer Nader Galal passed away early this morning after losing a long battle with lung cancer at the age of 73.

Born in 1941, Nader Galal was introduced to the film industry at an early age by his parents, legendary actress Mary Queeny and director/actor Ahmed Galal. During the golden age of Egyptian cinema his parents established the renowned studio Galal Films in 1942, one of the largest studios at the time. Born into the life of films, Nader Galal made his debut writing and directing 1974’s film Bedur and found plenty of support from his family, as his mother produced all of his films until her retirement in 1982.

Having directed over 20 projects, Nader Galal will be most notably remembered for smash hits including; Al-Irhabi, Hassan Ellol, Belia We Demagho el Alia, Elwad Mahrous Betaa Alwazir, Bakhit wa Adeela, Jazeerat al-Shaytan, Salam Ya Sahby, Abbas Al-Abyad Fe Al-Yawm Al-Aswad (TV Series). Never one in search of fame, Nader Galal channeled all of his energy into his passion which he captured expertly behind the lens.

In 1997, Galal’s hard work was acknowledged as he received a Best Director award at the Cairo National Festival for Egyptian Cinema. Needless to say this award-winning director has definitely left his mark in Egyptian cinema history. Although he has sadly moved on, the Galal name will continue to live on as he has passed on the directing torch to his son Ahmed Galal.

A prayer in his memory will be held today after afternoon prayer at Al Sayeda Al Nafisa Mosque, and the funeral will take place Thursday at El Rahman El Rahim Mosque. Nader Galal will be missed by many, however his work will live on for generations to come. 

Photo Courtesy of [Al Ahram]