Veteran Egyptian Cinematographer Mohamed Bakr Opens His Archive

50 years of cinematic portraits, 1,500 films and countless stories. Raised amidst the magic of film sets, Egyptian cinematographer Mohamed Bakr's childhood excursions consisted of visits to his father, Hussein Bakr's enchanting world—a realm where storytelling and imagery reigned supreme. Inspired by the boundless potential of visual storytelling, Bakr emerged as a key protagonist in the annals of Egyptian cinema, leaving an indelible mark on its history.

As part of Cairo Design Week, Photopia, the photography hub for and school, hosted an exhibition paying homage to Bakr's distinctive lens. Titled '50 Years of Cinematic Portraits', the showcase featured 80 photographs chronicling pivotal moments and iconic figures from Egyptian cinema. From classic masterpieces to contemporary gems, each frame provided a peak into Bakr's unique visual language.

Initially slated to conclude on February 23rd, the exhibition's resounding success prompted Photopia to extend its duration until April 6th. On this special occasion, we had the privilege of catching up with Mohamed Bakr himself at the exhibition, where he graciously shared the narratives behind his most memorable frames, offering a glimpse into his meticulously curated archive and the captivating stories it holds.