Person Biography:
Khaled Youssef is a renowned Egyptian film director, known for his outstanding contributions to the students' movement in the 1980s. He served as the Head of the Students' Union at Zagazig University's Banha Branch from 1988 to 1989. Youssef obtained his Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electronic and Electrical Communication Engineering in 1990.
Youssef's career in the film industry began when he was advised by Youssef Shahin to work in cinema. He started by participating in the short narrative documentary film "Al Kahira Monwara Beahliha" and received training on directing. He quickly discovered his passion for direction and joined Youssef Shahin's scholars.
In 1992, Youssef co-directed "Al Muhajer" film with Youssef Shahin, participating in writing the scenario and dialogue. He went on to assist Shahin in writing the story, scenario, and dialogue for several films. Youssef's first film as an exclusive director was "Al Asifa" in 2000, which won several awards, including the grand prize at the International Arbitration Committee in Cairo International Cinema Festival.
Youssef's subsequent films, including "Gwaz Biqarar Gomhoury" (2001),"Enta Omry" (2004),"Weja" and "Khiana Mshroua" (2005-2006),and "Hena Mysara" (2007),received critical acclaim and numerous awards. His film "Hena Mysara" sparked controversy worldwide and gained several prizes at the National Festival of Egyptian Cinema.
Youssef's other notable films include "Heya Fawda" (2007),"Al Rayis Omar Harb" (2008),"Dokan Shehata" (2009),"Kalemni Shokan" (2010),and "Kaf El Qamar" (2011). His trilogy, consisting of "Heya Fawda", "Hena Mysara", and "Dokan Shehata", is considered to have played a significant role in exposing the deteriorating social and economic conditions in Egypt, which contributed to the 25 January Revolution.
During the 30 June anti-government protests, Youssef was chosen by the Armed Forces to photograph the scenes from military aircraft. He was the only cinema director to do so, capturing the most prominent places in Egypt occupied by the largest number of demonstrators in history.
In 2013, two of Youssef's films, "Heya Fawda" and "Hena Mysara", were included in the list of the "100 Best Arab Films of All Times" at the Dubai International Film Festival.
