Egyptian soprano preserves legacy of composer Mohamed abdel wahab in new documentary

Egyptian soprano Fatima Saeed premiered a documentary film in Cairo that explores the life and musical legacy of the renowned composer Mohamed Abdel Wahab.

The film, titled "Fatima Saeed and the Khatta of Abdel Wahab," aims to protect Abdel Wahab's artistic heritage, which faces the risk of disappearing because many of his compositions lack written musical notation.

Saeed traveled between Cairo and Berlin to produce the film, which she created in collaboration with the family of the late composer and Oxford University. The documentary shows Saeed performing Abdel Wahab’s music in public spaces like the Berlin subway and on major stages in Germany. She also visits the Bab El Shariya neighborhood in Cairo, where the composer grew up, and interviews his grandchildren and daughters to gather personal insights into his creative process.

The film premiered at the 47th Cairo International Film Festival as part of the special screenings outside of competition. Director Ralf Belger and festival head Hussein Fahmy praised the project for highlighting a composer who they believe has not received enough cinematic recognition in recent years. Saeed spent four years filming the project while balancing her musical commitments and navigating the logistics of moving between Egypt and Germany.