In a special event held on 10 November 2023, the PMF explored and celebrated the enormous contribution of Fatima Rushdi and Aziz Eid to the development of Egyptian cinema and theatre.
A lecture given by Dr Marlé Hammond (Senior Lecturer in Arabic Popular Literature and Culture at the School of Oriental and African Studies) was followed by a reception in the Petrie Museum. In the course of the evening, Monica Janssens, granddaughter of the Egyptian couple, and Lucia Gahlin read extracts from the very lively memoirs of Aziza Eid, the couple’s daughter. These provided an insight not only into Aziza’s family life but also the social context.
A full report on the lecture will be provided in due course by regular contributor to the PMF, Birgit Schoer. In the meantime, presented below are some photographs kindly supplied by Monica Janssens that reflect her affection for her mother and grandparents. There are also images of a small number of the many paintings of Aziza Eid that were inspired by ancient Egypt. A link to the full catalogue of these is also included. The paintings are available for purchase, with a proportion of proceeds given to support the Petrie Museum.
Monica Janssens and Fatima Rushdi, Mena House Hotel (1990s)
Fatima Rushdi and Aziz Eid
Aziza Eid in Egypt. Aziza was the daughter of Fatima Rushdi and Aziz Eid, and the mother of Monica Janssen.
Four paintings from the full catalogue that may be seen here: Catalogue
Jo Rowland (Chair) speaking at the reception, with Lucia Gahlin and Monica Janssens to her left.