An 80-year-old iconic Al-Ahram Studio in Cairo was ravaged by a major fire on Saturday morning, causing extensive damage and spreading to adjacent buildings. The fire, which took over five hours to extinguish, erupted just hours after the completion of filming for a Ramadan television series.
The Egyptian state news website Al-Ahram reported that the studio was destroyed, including decorations, wood, photography areas, and corridors. Videos circulating on Egyptian media sites showed the studio site and surrounding buildings fully affected by the fire.
Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported, and several injured individuals were transported to hospitals for treatment. Egypt, known as the 'Hollywood on the Nile,' has long dominated the Arab film industry, producing international stars like Omar Sharif and Youssef Chahine.
Established in 1944, Al-Ahram Studio has been a cornerstone of Egypt's film and television industry, with three production stages, a screening room, and an editing suite across its 27,000 square meter campus. The studio has played a vital role in producing numerous Egyptian films and television series, making it a significant cultural asset.
Egypt's Public Prosecutor has initiated an investigation into the cause of the fire at one of the Arab world's oldest film production houses. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Minister of Culture Nevine El-Kilany visited the site to assess the losses and the impact on the surrounding area.
Madbouly announced that families affected by the fire in nearby buildings would receive financial assistance to help with temporary accommodations until their residences are repaired. The incident has highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage and ensuring the safety of film production facilities in Egypt.
