Google marks birthday of Egyptian cinema icon Shadi Abdel Salam

Google Doodle has marked the 85th birthday of the late Shadi Abdel Salam, whose take on film directing, screenwriting and costume and set designs, made him an icon in the Arab filming industry.

Even though Abdel Salam directed only one full-length feature movie, he established his reputation beyond Egypt’s borders.

His great knowledge of the environment and civilization of different historical epochs made him excellent in designing sets and costumes.

His prolific work included the Polish film “Pharaoh” directed by Kavelorovitch, on which he worked as a historical consultant and supervisor of decorations, costumes and accessories.

Salam directed the long drama film titled “The Night of Counting the Years” (Al-Momiaa) from 1968 to 1969 and has received many film awards for this work.

Born in the coastal Egyptian city of Alexandria, he taught at the Cinema Higher Institute of Egypt in the departments of decorations, costumes and film direction from 1963 to 1969.

Twenty eight years after his death, he is remembered as a “legend and a genius” by fellow filmmakers.