Fatma El-Zahraa Hussein Fathi, a celebrated and accomplished Egyptian actress, marked her birthday on December 21, 1951, and has since been a stalwart presence in the film industry for an impressive span of over five decades.
Fathi's academic pursuits were abruptly terminated in 1967, as she made the bold decision to dedicate herself wholeheartedly to the craft of acting, a passion that had been burning brightly within her for some time.
Her professional journey as a thespian began in earnest with the 1968 Egyptian film production of Afrah, which was remarkably situated in the vibrant city of Beirut, Lebanon.
Initially, the director of Afrah, the illustrious Ali Badrakhan, harbored certain reservations regarding Fathi's suitability for the role. However, his fellow producer, the astute Ramses Naguib, perceived her immense potential as a romance icon, and thus, her career trajectory began to take shape.
Throughout the 1970s, Fathi's acting career flourished, with her appearing in approximately 15 films per year, predominantly focusing on romantic dramas. This remarkable feat earned her a reputation as one of the leading ladies of Egyptian cinema, a distinction that solidified her status as a beloved and respected figure in the industry.
Fathi's cinematic journey during the 1980s marked a significant turning point in her career, as she began to tackle more intricate and multifaceted roles in films that delved into the complexities of societal and political issues.
Her outstanding performances during this period garnered widespread critical acclaim, with a notable recognition being the award for best actress for her stunning portrayal in the 1995 film "El Garage".
In this powerful and poignant film, Fathi embodied the character of a deserted and impoverished single mother, who, desperate to provide for her five children, finds herself forced to live inside a garage with them. As her health begins to decline, she is eventually compelled to make the heart-wrenching decision to give up her children to other families, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.
Noted Egyptian actress, Fathi, embarked on a challenging and emotionally draining role in a film based on a true story, which she described as the most difficult and painful she has had to portray.
This cinematic endeavour was instrumental in bringing attention to the pressing issue of overpopulation, as acknowledged by writer Nagla El-Baz, thereby contributing to a greater understanding and awareness of this complex problem.
Throughout her illustrious and storied career, Fathi has had the distinction of appearing in over 80 films, demonstrating her remarkable versatility and range as an actress. In addition to her impressive on-screen accomplishments, she has also established a production company, underscoring her entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen.
Furthermore, Fathi has also ventured into the realm of screenwriting, penning the screenplay for the 1980 film "Tomorrow I Will Exact My Revenge", showcasing her talent and creativity beyond acting.
