Bahrain’s film festival crowned Egyptian acting icon Yousra with a Lifetime Achievement Award on Thursday night, November 5th, 2026, honoring a 50-year career that has not only defined Arabic cinema but also created a unique, enduring bond with audiences worldwide. The award was presented by Bahrain’s Minister of Information, Ramzan bin Abdullah Al-Nuaimi, during the opening ceremony of the festival’s sixth edition.
In her acceptance speech, Yousra expressed her profound joy at the recognition, stating: Fifty years have passed in my artistic journey… I love and appreciate art, and the love between me and the audience everywhere in the world is because of art
. She added, I am honored to have worked with the most important people in the history of Egyptian and Arab art, and I do not feel the passage of these fifty years
, concluding with a message of love and support for the nations.
A Festival of Films and Workshops
The Bahrain Film Festival, running until November 10th, showcases approximately 90 films across various sections, including Bahraini films, documentaries, animated films, and student films. The narrative shorts section features several Arab productions, such as the Palestinian film “Security Ban” by director Tamer Shoumara, the Moroccan film “Gardens of Paradise” by director Sonia Tarab, the Egyptian film “The Last Miracle” by director Abdel Wahab Shoukry, the Lebanese film “Last Dance” by director Noor Aqqi, and the Syrian film “Passing Day” by director Rasha Shahin.
The festival program also includes workshops and panel discussions aimed at fostering knowledge and collaboration. Notable sessions include “The Art of Casting: From Performance to Screen” led by executive producer and casting expert Miranda Davidson, and “From Production to Set: The Role of the Assistant Director” by director and producer Ali Al-Sabahi. A panel discussion on intellectual property, titled “Beyond the Screen: Rights Not in the Credits”, will be led by Bahraini lawyer Faten Al-Haddad.
Ghassan Massoud and Nader Al-Masqati Receive Festival Honors
The festival’s opening night also recognized other significant contributors to cinema. Syrian actor Ghassan Massoud was honored with the ” distinguished Arab Contribution to World Cinema” award, while Bahraini cinema pioneer Nader Al-Masqati received the “Pioneering Award in Bahraini Cinematic Culture” for his efforts in establishing the Bahrain Cinema Club in 1980 and supporting the local film movement.
Bahraini Minister of Information Ramzan bin Abdullah Al-Nuaimi stated that the kingdom possesses a strong cultural and artistic legacy, noting the festival represents an extension of this heritage and reflects the nation’s creative capacities. He emphasized the importance of the increased international participation in the sixth edition, calling it a significant development that broadens horizons for cultural and cinematic exchange.
