Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
A solemn atmosphere enveloped the grounds of El-Mosheer Mosque in Cairo as family, friends, and a host of prominent figures from the Egyptian film and television industry gathered to bid their final farewell to acclaimed cinematographer and actor Taimour Taimour, who passed away tragically over the weekend. His body was laid to rest in his family’s burial grounds following funeral prayers attended by a large crowd of mourners.
Among those present were actors Bassem Samra, Riham Abdel Ghafour, Ahmed Dawood, Mohamed Shaaker Khodair, and Tara Emad. The funeral also drew notable directors such as Yousry Nasrallah and Karim El Shenawy, in addition to screenwriter Mariam Naoum and many others from the film community who came to honor a man whose artistic imprint resonated both behind and in front of the camera.
Taimour’s sudden death came as a shock to the industry and his fans alike. According to close friends, the incident occurred while he was vacationing with his family at a resort in Ras El-Hekma on Egypt’s North Coast. His son began to drown while swimming, and in a heroic act, Taimour managed to save him. However, he lost his own life in the process, drowning shortly after pulling his son to safety. The tragic circumstances of his passing only deepened the sorrow felt across the artistic community.
Throughout his career, Taimour Taimour distinguished himself as a gifted and passionate visual storyteller. A graduate of the High Institute of Cinema in Cairo, he was known for his early work on independent student projects, where his talent quickly became apparent. Over the years, he served as Director of Photography on several acclaimed film and television productions that earned both popular and critical praise.
Among his most celebrated works was the historical drama Joudar (Parts I and II, 2024–2025), a project that would prove to be his final major contribution to the screen. In addition to his behind-the-camera role, Taimour made a rare cameo appearance in the series, showcasing his deep connection to the project.
His cinematographic achievements include work on high-profile television series such as Grand Hotel and Message of the Imam, and feature films like Ramses Paris, El Diesel, and Regatta. He was also part of the camera teams on influential films such as Ibrahim El-Abyad and Ala Gothy (On My Dead Body), helping shape the visual language of a new wave of Egyptian cinema.
Taimour also showed versatility as a performer. His performances in the TV series El-Gamaa (The University) and films like Al Hassa El Sabaa (The Seventh Sense) and After the Battle revealed a nuanced acting ability that complemented his visual acumen.
In a statement issued Saturday evening, United Media Services, one of Egypt’s leading production and broadcasting companies, mourned the loss of the late artist, describing him as “a true embodiment of creative excellence and professional dedication.” The company praised Taimour’s artistic legacy, noting that his work had enriched Egypt’s visual and cinematic archive and inspired a generation of young filmmakers.
“With hearts full of sorrow,” the statement read, “we mourn the passing of the gifted Director of Photography Taimour Taimour, who has left our world but not our memories. His artistry will continue to speak through the lens, through every scene he helped bring to life. May he rest in peace, and may his loved ones find solace in the mark he left behind.”
As tributes continue to pour in across social media and within the artistic community, it is clear that Taimour Taimour’s life and work will not be forgotten. He was more than a filmmaker, he was a guardian of cinematic vision, a colleague to many, and a hero to his family in his final moments.
