Hala Khalil

Hala Khalil (born July 23, 1967)[1] is an Egyptian film director, producer, and screenwriter. Her work includes short films, documentaries, TV series, and feature films. Her films The Kite (1997) and The Best of Times (2004), have received awards from the Arab Film Festival, Rotterdam Arab Camera Festival, and the Rabat Film Festival.[2]

Hala Khalil

Khalil belongs to the new generation of Egyptian female commercial and independent filmmakers that emerged in the first decade of the 21st century. The films of this period focus on the every day lives of Egyptian women and their identity separation from men, functioning as an important part of feminism in Egypt.[3]

Early life

Khalil was born in Cairo, Egypt. After beginning her post-secondary education in engineering,[1] she switched to the Cairo Film School, where she graduated in 1992 with a degree in filmmaking.[4]

Career

After graduating from the Cairo Film School, Khalil made her debut as a filmmaker and screenwriter with the short film, Puppets, in 1992. Her short film, The Kite (1997), was her first film to gain notable critical recognition. In 2004, she wrote and directed her first feature-length film, The Best of Times, for which she received awards at the Arab Camera Festival, in Rotterdam, Netherlands, the Rabat Film Festival, and recognition from the Egyptian Film Critics' Association.[2]

Khalil also writes film reviews, and directs for the state television company.[1] In addition to being a prominent Arab female short and feature filmmaker, Khalil is an executive producer has worked documentary films, and served on festival juries in Cairo, Ossian, Rotterdam, and Beirut.[5]

Filmography
Year Film Role Notes
1992 Puppets (Marionettes) Director/Writer Short Film
1994 Silence of the Night (Hudu 'al-layl) Director Short Film
1997 The Kite (Tiri ya tayyara) Director Short Film
1998 Game's Revolution (Gamal al-thawra) Director Short Film
2000 Welcome with Ten Fingers (Ahbabak 'ashra) Director Short Film
2004 The Best of Times (Ahla al-awqat) Director/Writer Feature Film

Second Prize at Rotterdam Arab Film Festival

2006 Cut and Paste Director Feature Film
2015 Nawara Director/Writer/Producer Feature Film

The Best of Times

In 2004, Khalil directed her first feature-length film, cowritten with Wassam Soliman.[3] The Best of Times serves as an example of the themes of the new generation of female screenwriters and filmmakers in Egypt. The film follows Salma, a successful woman who is forced to move from her step-father's home following the death of her mother.[1] The film takes place between the distinct neighbourhoods of Maadi and Shobra, as Salma embarks on an introspective journey to unearth who has been sending her anonymous letters.[5][6] Khalil won second prize for The Best of Times at the Arab Camera Festival in Rotterdam.[2]

References
  1. Hillauer, Rebecca (January 1, 2005). Encyclopedia of Arab Women Filmmakers. American Univ in Cairo Press. ISBN 9789774249433.
  2. "Africultures – Biographie de Hala Khalil". www.africultures.com. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  3. Nelmes, Jill; Selbo, Jule (September 30, 2015). Women Screenwriters: An International Guide. Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN 9781137312389.
  4. "Nawara – The Light Blue Satin Robe". Doha Film Institute. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  5. "Dubai International Film Festival- Hala Khalil". Dubai International Film Festival. Archived from the original on December 18, 2015. Retrieved February 22, 2016.
  6. "Arabic Movie Guide" (PDF). Santa Barbara City College. Retrieved March 2, 2016.
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