generic fire
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Abu Dhabi: A huge fire destroyed the iconic Nassibian Studio Theater in Cairo, an important part of Egyptian cinema history, local media reported.
The studio, which was established in the 1930s, is located in the Faggala district in the center of the Egyptian capital and is one of the most important symbols of art and culture in Egypt.
The exact reason for the fire is not yet known, but the prosecution has opened an investigation.
The studio was founded by the head of the Armenian community in Egypt at the time, Hrant Nassibian, who sold it after the revolution of July 23, 1952, just before his emigration. It was rented until it was purchased by the Renaissance Society (Jesuit of Cairo).
The studio witnessed the shooting of 140 films, the most famous of which are: “The Bride of the Nile”, “The Fatwa”, “Shafiqa and Metwally”, “Something in My Chest”, “The Grandson” and ” Bab Al Hadid.
Dr Marwa Abdullah El Sayed, director of the Jesuit Film School in Cairo, said that the cultural, artistic and historical value of Studio Nassibian is “very great”. She told Asharq Al Awsat: “It contributed to the development of the Egyptian film industry, and the Renaissance Society was able for many years to develop and renovate it, whether with equipment or the stage, to serve a greater number of artists over the years. and make the shows accessible to a wider audience.
Hisham Aslan, media advisor to the Renaissance Society and director of the Jesuit Cultural Salon, said the Nassibian Theater fire caused both practical and moral losses.
“In addition to its history, it is closely linked to the Egyptian film industry and is open to hosting independent theater and street theater companies, in addition to numerous Renaissance Society events and meetings.”
