Youssef Chahine, Egyptian film director dies at 82

July 27, 2008

Youssef Chahine, the Egyptian film director has died aged 82. He died from a cerebral hemorrhage in the early hours of the morning.

Born in 1926, Chahine was credited with launching the career of actor Omar Sharif. He had been active in the Egyptian film industry for over 50 years.

He directed over 25 films throughout his career. In 1997 he was given a lifetime achievement award at the Cannes Film Festival.

In June 2008 he was hospitalized with a coma following an apparent cerebral haemorrhage. He was later flown to Paris but later returned to his home.