29th Alexandria Film Festival Honors Detained Syrian Artist Youssef Abdelky

The administration of the Alexandria Movie Festival for Mediterranean cinema started its preparations for the 29th version of the festival, to be held in the period from 11 to 16 September 2013. The most prominent feature in this year's version is the honoring of the Syrian detained artist Youssef Abdelky, in response to this year's slogan “Towards a better world.”

According to a press statement issued by the festival's media center, choosing youssef Abdelky comes in recognition for his artistic career and out of respect to the Syrian revolution. Abdelky is considered among the most famous carving artists and a Graphic artist. He has published many studies about Arabic caricature. He's also considered as an active Syrian artist where he exhibits his work from time to time in Damascus. He's known for his appreciation to the value of freedom and defending the revolution in his country Syria.

It's worth mentioning, Abdlky is one of the most famous artists who've been arrested in Syria because of his defense of freedom, where he was previously imprisoned from 1974 to 1980. He was also arrested on the 18th of june this year after he signed the Syrian national intellectuals inside of Syria statement , condemning the militarization of the revolution and foreign intervention and declaring their sticking to the principles of the popular uprising.

Also noteworthy, this year's festival is chaired by film critic Elamir Abaza.