'Rassael Al-Bahr' and 'Bintain min Masr' Prevail in National Egyptian Film Festival

The 17th edition of the National Egyptian Film Festival has concluded yesterday, headed by director Samir Seif. The closing ceremony was held in the Opera House theater, with minister of culture Mohamed Saber Azab present.

Producers The Arabic Company had the biggest share of prizes in the festival, earning 9 awards for the films " Rassael Al-bahr" (Messages from the Sea)," Bintain min Masr" (Two Girls from Ehypt) and " Zhaiemer." Notable was the absence of a number of invited artists like Asser Yassin, Zeinaand Mohamed Lotfy.

Writer Waheed Hamed announced the feature films competition prizes, in which he headed the jury. Director Dawwood Abdel Sayed won the best director's prize, a sum of 25 thousand pounds for his film "Rassael Al-bahr", while Hady ElBagoury won the prize for best first feature film for " Wahed Saheeh"(A Whole One). The 15 thousand pounds best screenplay award went to Mohamed Amin, for "Bintain min Masr," while Ahmed Morsy earned the prize forbest cinematography for his work on "Rassael Al-Bahr." Khaled Mara'ywon the best editing prize for " Assal Eswed," (Black Honey) which is worth 10 thousand pounds.

Salah Mara'y won the 10 thousand pounds title for best art direction in "Zhaimer,"while best sound editing went to Alaa El Kashef for "Bintain min Masr,"and best score went to Mohamed Medhat for " Al Watar." Both prizes areworth 10 thousand pounds.

Acting prizes were as follows: Asser Yassin won the best lead actor award for "Rassael Al-bahr," and Mohamed Lotfy won the best supporting actoralso for "Rassael Al-bahr," best supporting actress award went toZeina for "Bintain min Masr" and best supporting actress award wentto Ranya Youssef for "Wahed Saheeh." A special award went to Said Salehfor his role in "Zhaimer."

"RassaelAl-bahr" was awarded with 150 thousand pounds for best film, produced byThe Arabic Company, and the second prize went to "Assal Eswed" produced by United Brothers. Third place went to "Wahed Saheeh," producedby Karim El Sobky.