- Born
- We cannot introduce Youssef Cherif Rizkallah only as a Film Critic, a prominent media figure, the President or the Artistic Director of some of Egypt's major film festivals, or even as an expert in international film cooperations; Rizkallah has left an extensive effect on several generations of young filmmakers and the mainstream audience through his continuous efforts to create opportunities for them to savor all kinds of cinemas from all over the world. This is equally matched with his endeavors to provide young filmmakers with platforms through which they can express themselves while offering them to learn and fully experience the global language of film. He is moved by his undying passion for the art of cinema, which is a long lasting one that has never weakened throughout his extensive expertise in the field. Youssef Cherif Rizkallah earned a BA in Political Sciences from the Faculty of Economics and Political Sciences, Cairo University in 1966. Before that and through studying at the Jesuites School in Cairo, he participated in the school's theatrical activities, expressing a budding passion for such type of art. After finishing college, Rizkallah set out on a long career in film criticism of Arabic and foreign films, attending international film festivals and presenting cinema-related programs and TV shows. Rizkallah penned down numerous articles which were published in various regional and international newspapers and magazines. He created Cine Club and Oscar TV programs for the official Egyptian television channel in 1975 and 1980 respectively. Later on, it was only natural for his career to metamorphose into a TV presenter for TV programs which throw the light on the global film scene such as Telecinema (1981 - 1995), Star (1986 - 1994), Cinema × Cinema (1994 - 2004), The Magic Lantern (2008 - 2010) and Rizkallah Cinema (2008 - 2010). Furthermore, he had provided daily coverages for international film festivals, such as the Cairo International Film Festival and Cannes Film Festival assisted by his fluency in both English and French. Rizkallah started engaging with the world of cinema in 1978, when he joined Cairo Film Society, becoming its President together with its annual festival from mid 80s to mid 90s (1985-1994). He also assumed the post of the Artistic Secretary of the Cairo International Film Festival since 1978, then becoming the Artistic Director of the Festival until 2011. He worked as an Editor and Editor-in-Chief of the news bulletin in Arabic at the Egyptian Radio and Television Union, which has led to a new position as the Head of Nile TV International channel at the Television Union from 1997 to 2002. Rizkallah was Head of the International Cooperation Department at the Egyptian Media Production City (EMPC) from 2007 until March 2012, after which he was appointed as Head of Cinema Organization until March 2012. He is currently holding the position of International Business Development and International Movies Consultant at Al Arabeya for Production and Distribution.- IMDb Mini Biography By: Mahmoud Elfeky
- He worked as an Editor and Editor-in-Chief of the news bulletin in Arabic at the Egyptian Radio and Television Union.
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