The 39th Cairo International Film Festival has announced that this year's edition of the festival – which runs from 21 to 30 November – will be dedicated to Egyptian golden age film starlet Shadia. The dedication is “a sign of support to the beloved actress,” who has been hospitalised after suffering a stroke. The 86-year-old actress is not in critical condition, though she will remain in hospital, according to MENA. “Shadia is considered an artistic and national treasure; she gave effort, love, and dedication to her acting career, her fans, and Egypt,” the festival said in a statement. One of the best-known Egyptian actresses of the 1950s, 60s and 70s, Shadia began her acting career in 1947 when she was 16 years old after she was discovered by director Ahmed Badrakhan at a competition for actresses. Born as Fatima Ahmed Kamal Shaker, she was given the screen name Shadia by director Helmy Rafla. Shadia has starred in over 70 films, many of which are considered classics, including El-Zouga El-Talattashar (The Thirteenth Wife, 1962), Shey Min El-Khouf (A Bit of Fear, 1969) and El-Liss Wal Kilab (The Thief and the Dogs, 1962). Shadia retired from acting in 1986 after giving her last singing performance at the El-Leila El-Mohamadeya concert with the religious song Khod Be-Eedy. For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture
