Director of the Grand Egyptian Museum Opening Ceremony Breaks His Silence

 Director Mazen El-Motagawel

Director of the Grand Egyptian Museum Opening Ceremony Breaks His Silence

Egyptian director Mazen El-Metagawel, who directed the opening ceremony of the Grand Egyptian Museum, broke his silence to respond for the first time to the criticism leveled at the event. He emphasized that "any large-scale artistic work is bound to elicit differing opinions," stressing the importance of focusing on the successes and achievements of this exceptional event.

In a phone interview with the program "Al-Soura" (The Picture), hosted by journalist Lamis El-Hadidy on Al-Nahar TV on Sunday evening, El-Metagawel explained that it is natural for some issues to arise in an event of this magnitude, whether technical or organizational. He added, "I always prefer to look on the bright side of things, and I respect everyone's point of view, as every project has aspects that can be improved."

He affirmed that many elements of the ceremony were distinctive and successful in conveying the overall message, noting that the meticulous details, from the set design to the music and artistic performances, were not arbitrary but rather designed to reflect specific philosophies and messages that become clear upon rewatching the ceremony.

Al-Mutagawel continued, explaining that overseeing an event of this scale requires a massive collective effort. He praised the role of Mohamed El-Saadi, a board member of the United Media Services Company, who oversaw the entire event and acted as the "maestro" coordinating all the details. He added that the event was not merely a media occasion, but an artistic and cultural message aimed at promoting Egyptian antiquities and history globally, noting that the effort exerted was considerable and deserved recognition.

Who is Mazen Al-Mutagawel?

Mazen Al-Mutagawel is an Egyptian director, cinematographer, and lighting designer, considered one of the most prominent names in the visual arts and directing field in recent years. He began his career early, becoming the youngest cinematographer in Egypt at the age of 23, when he worked on his first feature film, "The Seventh Sense," after graduating from the Higher Institute of Cinema in 2004.

El-Motajawel participated in the cinematography of some of the most successful and famous Egyptian films, including "Naama Bay," "El-Watar," "Captain Hima," "Teta Raheba," and the three parts of "Welad Rizk," for which he won the Best Cinematography award in recognition of his creativity. He also worked on "El-Khaliya," considered one of the most prominent action films in the history of Egyptian cinema.

He has also collaborated with international agencies and major brands in the field of advertising and has filmed projects in several countries, including Spain, Italy, the United States, Brazil, Japan, England, and Russia. In 2021, El-Motajawel distinguished himself by directing and designing the lighting for the Royal Mummies Parade, which captivated the world and garnered widespread acclaim, cementing his position as one of the most important Egyptian directors in the field of visual effects and art direction.