Culture Minister Nivene el Killany mourned the death of Egypt’s most famous director Ali Abdel Khaliq, who passed way on Friday at the age of 78 after a battle with illness.

In statements, the minister hailed the deceased director and his successful films. She also offered her condolences to Abdel Khaliq’s family, friends and fans.

Born on June 9, 1944, Abdel-Khaliq graduated from the Higher Institute of Cinema in 1966 and worked as an assistant director for years before becoming a director.

Pairing with veteran writer Mahmoud Abo Zeid, Abdel Khaliq directed a series of smash-hit movies, topped by Ughniyya ‘ala al-mamar (A Song on the Passage) in 1972, El ‘Aar (The Shame) in 1982, Al-Keif (The High) in 1985, Gary El Wohoush (Monsters Run) in 1987, El-Baydha Wal Hagar (The Egg and the Stone) in 1990.

He also directed some TV series like Al-Bawaba Al-Thaneya (The Second Gate) in 2009.

Source: State Information Service Egypt