In a significant move to protect the dignity of deceased artists, renowned Egyptian actor Mahmoud Hamida has expressed his concerns regarding the disturbing trend of photographing funerals of public figures. Speaking at the Alexandria Short Film Festival, which runs from April 27 to May 2, 2025, Hamida emphasized the urgent need for legal frameworks to regulate this practice. He stated, "The problem lies in the absence of a law that criminalizes the photography of artists before obtaining their permission, similar to the laws in place for journalists or media professionals, or through the National Press and Media Authority."
Hamida's remarks come amidst growing public discomfort over the invasion of privacy that bereaved families face when their loved ones are laid to rest. He called for the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate or the National Press and Media Authority to take action in drafting legislation that would safeguard the rights of individuals during such sensitive times.
In related news, the Alexandria Short Film Festival has announced that it will honor sound engineer Mustafa Shaaban and editor Emad Maher during its closing ceremony. This year's festival highlights the contributions of various artists and technicians in the short film industry, celebrating their creativity and hard work.
Emad Maher, recognized for his outstanding work in short film editing, has directed four award-winning films, including "Lamba Neon," "Atef," and "Zakaria." He has also received accolades for his editing skills, with two awards for best editing from the Film Society for his films "Villa 96" and "Balash Tabusni." His extensive experience includes editing successful series such as "Laعبة نيوتن" and "Batin Al-Hout." Maher's film "Zilal" won the Fipresci Award at the Venice Film Festival in 2010, while "Akher Ayam Al Madina" secured the Caligari Award at the Berlin Festival in 2016. Additionally, his film "Al Fokh" received the Critics' Week Award at the Cannes Festival, further establishing his reputation in the industry.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, Al Ahly Bank of Egypt has renewed its ISO 27001:2022 certification for information security and ISO 27701:2019 for privacy management for the period of 2025-2028. This renewal underscores the bank's commitment to continuous improvement and adherence to international standards.
The bank announced that it has incorporated a new and advanced data center into the scope of its information security management system for the first time this year. This addition complements the existing scope that includes the main data centers and branch offices, which the bank had previously obtained certification for in 2016, 2017, and 2020, making it the first bank in Egypt to achieve such recognition.
The handover ceremony for the certifications was attended by Mohamed Al-Etreby, the executive director of Al Ahly Bank, along with leaders from various sectors, including cybersecurity, information technology, and risk management. The bank's ongoing efforts to maintain ISO 27001:2022 certification reflect the dedication of its information security team, who work collaboratively across all departments to implement a comprehensive framework for information security controls that align with international standards.
Furthermore, the renewal of the ISO 27701:2019 certification for privacy management emphasizes the bank's commitment to protecting customer data and ensuring transparency in its operations. The bank aims to manage and safeguard personal data effectively while adhering to international regulatory requirements. It also places great importance on educating employees about data protection and the necessity of not sharing personal information indiscriminately.
As the Alexandria Short Film Festival continues to celebrate the achievements of artists like Hamida and Maher, the discussions around privacy in the media landscape remain crucial. The call for legislative action by Hamida highlights the need for a more respectful approach to reporting on the lives and deaths of public figures, ensuring that their families are not subjected to undue intrusion during their times of grief.
In conclusion, the intersection of art, media, and privacy is becoming increasingly relevant in today's society. As public figures navigate their personal lives under the watchful eyes of the media, the need for regulations that protect their dignity and that of their families becomes paramount. The ongoing conversations sparked by events like the Alexandria Short Film Festival and the proactive measures taken by institutions like Al Ahly Bank reflect a broader societal shift towards accountability and respect for individual rights.
