Prolific Director Sameh Abdelaziz Dead at 49

Renowned Egyptian director Sameh Abdelaziz died on Thursday after a struggle with illness. He was 49.

Abdelaziz's funeral is set to be held after Asr prayer at the Police Mosque in the 6th of October City, Giza Governorate, where he is set to be buried afterward in her family's cemetery in Suez.

No date has been set for the solace ceremony yet.

The late director suffered from a viral blood infection, which contributed to a dangerous rise in his blood sugar levels before his health suddenly deteriorated.

Abdulaziz was born on September 18, 1976, in Cairo, Egypt, and graduated from the Higher Institute of Cinema in 1996. 

He began his career directing programs, and afterward moved into cinema and directed his first film, “Private Lesson” in 2005, and carried on to helm films such as “The Lion and Four Cats”, “Al Farah”, “Cabaret”, and “Halawet Rooh.”

Abdulaziz is considered one of the most prominent directors in Egyptian cinema and drama over the past two decades. He has presented numerous works that have met raves both from the public and the critics, and is distinguished by his unique directing style that blends comedy and realism.

He was also distinguished by his lively visual style and his ability to skillfully direct actors, especially in works about middle class or those that deeply address Egyptian societal issues. He also possessed a sense of comedy, which was evident in a number of his works.

“El Dashash,” which was released this year, was Abdulaziz’s last directorial project.