Russian Cultural Center & Hathor Honor Ibrahim Abdel Meguid at 80

In celebration of 50 years of creativity and his 80th birthday, the Hathor Association for Culture and Arts is organizing a tribute to renowned Egyptian novelist Ibrahim Abdel Meguid under the title “From the Classics to the Drama of a New Generation.” The event is held in cooperation with the Russian Cultural Center in Cairo.

journalist Ehab El-Hadary

The literary evening will be moderated by journalist Ehab El-Hadary, Managing Editor of Al-Akhbar, and will feature the participation of prominent filmmakers, critics, and intellectuals, including Sherif Gad, Director of Cultural Activities at the Russian House, journalist Sayed Mahmoud, and director Ahmed Rashwan, Chairman of Hathor Association for Culture and Arts.

Egyptian novelist Ibrahim Abdel Meguid

Ahmed Rashwan affirmed that the Hathor Shield will be awarded to Ibrahim Abdel Meguid in recognition of his role as an intellectual, historian, and witness to the transformations of Egyptian society across decades. He emphasized that true literature never ages but continually reinvents itself. He praised Abdel Meguid for giving the novel a vivid visual spirit capable of flourishing on screen without losing its philosophical depth.

For his part, Sherif Ged commended the rich cultural efforts of Hathor Association under Ahmed Rashwan’s leadership, noting that honoring Ibrahim Abdel Meguid fulfills a long-standing aspiration. He added that several of the writer’s works have been translated into Russian, marking a significant cultural bridge.

The seminar, scheduled for Monday, February 16 at 6:00 PM at the Russian House in Dokki, will explore the author’s creative journey, where literature intersects with cinema and television drama.

Discussion will highlight successful adaptations of his novels, including Atabat Al-Bahga (Ramadan 2024), Fi Kol Osbou’ Yom Gomaa (2020), and earlier works such as La Ahad Yanam fi Al-Iskandaria (2006), demonstrating the adaptability of his literary text to contemporary visual storytelling.

The event will also examine the difference between novel writing and direct drama writing, including his screenplay work in Between Two Shores and Water (2002), opening discussion on narrative tools and techniques between literary and visual texts.

The evening will further address his book Me and Cinema, in which he reflects on the relationship between literature and the seventh art, and documents various cultural and social phases of modern Egyptian history, including his perspective on the 1990s as a period of relative cinematic decline in favor of television drama.

The Russian Cultural Center and Hathor Association confirm that the invitation is open to writers, poets, media professionals, and lovers of literature to attend this special tribute evening honoring the distinguished novelist Ibrahim Abdel Meguid.