The Alexandria Mediterranean Film Festival, chaired by film critic Amir Abaza, announced that it will honor the name of the late Egyptian artist Fairouz during the 41st edition of the festival, scheduled to take place from October 2 to 6, 2025. This tribute comes in recognition of her exceptional artistic career and her prominent contributions to Egyptian cinema, particularly in children’s films, as well as to celebrate pioneers of art who left an unforgettable mark in the history of cinema.

Fairouz… “The Egyptian Shirley Temple” Who Lit Up the Screens

The late star Fairouz, born Beroz Artin Kalfaian (1942–2016), is considered one of the most prominent child stars in Egyptian and Arab cinema. She was discovered by musician Elias Moadab during a performance attended by King Farouk, who introduced her to actor Anwar Wagdy, who gave her the stage name "Fairouz." She began her early artistic journey in the film “Yasmin” in 1950, at the age of seven.

Timeless Works in Cinema’s Memory

Fairouz shined in numerous memorable films, including:

• Fairouz Hanem (1951)

• Dahab (1953)

She also appeared in several films alongside the legendary Ismail Yassin, such as Ismail Yassin Tarzan, and co-founded a film production company with her father, producing films like Al-Hirman and Asafeer Al-Jannah. Despite her early retirement, her works remain immortal in the audience’s memory, and she earned the nickname “The Egyptian Shirley Temple” thanks to her innocence, talent, and charm.

Milestones of Recognition

Over the years, Fairouz received numerous awards and honors, most notably her recognition at the Cairo International Film Festival in 2001, affirming her unique artistic status in the history of Arab cinema.