Modern Belya
Tarek Atrissi Design · Najla Badran, Khodeir Elborsaedy · 2022
A four-weight Arabic display typeface reviving the calligraphic style of Egyptian cinema title-card artist Khodeir Elborsaedy, digitised by designer Najla Badran and published in 2022.
About
The typeface draws directly from Elborsaedy's hand-lettered work, which defined the opening titles of some of Egypt's most celebrated films and theatre productions of the 1970s and 80s. Extensive stylistic sets, alternate letterforms and ligatures give designers the flexibility that characterised the original calligrapher's output. Shortlisted at D&AD and recognised at Granshan, it was developed under a Creative Industries Fund NL grant in partnership with Al-Qalam foundation in Cairo.
Classification
A digitised revival of hand-lettered Arabic calligraphy from 1970s–80s Egyptian cinema, characterised by expressive, free-hand strokes and extensive ligature sets. Classified as display due to its ornamental nature and intended use in headlines, logos and branding.