-Who is Mahmoud Mahmoud?

I am the son of parents who devoted their lives and made great sacrifices for their children. I am a brother who takes pride in and deeply loves his siblings. I come from a family and community of honorable and loyal people. I cherish friendships with men of integrity and respect, and I belong to a great nation unparalleled anywhere in the world — the Arab Republic of Egypt. In my heart also lies a second homeland, the United Arab Emirates, which has generously embraced and supported me.

I see myself as part of a lineage that spans generations of Egyptian filmmakers throughout history. I am grateful to every person and place that has welcomed me—even with just a passing smile. I have endured years of profound personal and cinematic challenges until, by God’s grace, I reached a position that allows me to speak today in a distinguished magazine like this one. Despite what I have accomplished, I firmly believe I am only at the beginning of my journey and have yet to realize my true aspirations.

-Do you remember the exact moment you fell in love with cinema?

Indeed, I remember it clearly. It was while watching films on video at my late grandfather’s home, who had an impressive collection of cinematic gems. A pivotal encounter came with a neighbor, director Mohamed El-Khyam, in the warm and inspiring neighborhood of Ain Shams. That meeting was the first ray of light that illuminated my path.

I also recall a special moment from my elementary school days when we performed plays; that was where my emotional bond with cinema and the arts truly began.

-Which director inspires you the most?

Many directors inspire me, but in my heart there is a quiet room where Andrej Tarkovskij, Theo Angelopoulos, Youssef Chahine, Shadi Abdel Salam, and Fatin Abdel Wahab reside. Each director I have worked with and learned from holds a unique place of respect and admiration within me.

-Tell us about your projects.

Each of my projects reflects my dreams and ambitions, but also my struggles and life experiences. I have faced many obstacles within Egyptian cinema, especially amid ongoing debates about whether directors create films for the public or for festivals. Over the years, my films have spoken to audiences worldwide, leading some to label my work as “enigmatic” or “difficult to understand.”

Yet, by God’s grace, my films have achieved international acclaim, winning awards and recognition from festivals and filmmakers across various countries. Currently, I am preparing to shoot a comedy series I wrote titled Mercury, alongside a film of my own script called Mosha, and several other projects in collaboration with esteemed writers like the great Nasser Abdulrahman. It is a true pleasure to work alongside such talented authors.

I hope that Egyptian production and distribution companies recognize my successes abroad. Though time passes, I trust that divine timing surpasses our own. Through this platform, I extend a sincere invitation to those who shape Egyptian cinema and its institutions: I am an Egyptian director, and soon my film “Who Embraces” the Sea will be released. I hope it resonates with audiences and filmmakers alike.

As a member of the Egyptian Syndicate of Cinema Professions, the Australian Academy of Cinema, and the Academy of the Oscars Museum, I wish all filmmakers success and resilience. May no one succumb to despair.

-What do you dislike in the world, and what would you change?

If I could change the world, I would enshrine dreams, love, cinema, and work as fundamental rights—ensuring everyone the freedom to pursue their dreams, experience love, and secure dignified employment. Perhaps I would decree that every expatriate be welcomed back home, for exile is a hardship unlike any other.

I dream of one day establishing a production company dedicated to supporting young talent, and ultimately, I hope to retire peacefully in a simple mud house, confident that my family is safe and secure.

-How do you imagine cinema in 100 years?

I envision it as essential and ubiquitous as the air we breathe—truly, everyone will have the right to create cinema and to find spaces to share their work. From above, I will watch this magnificent panorama unfold.