May el-Toukhy
Danish-Egyptian filmmaker
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
May el-Thouky (Arabic: مي الطوخي) is a Danish filmmaker. Most known for her drama film Queen of Hearts (2019). For Woman Unknown (2026), she won the Golden Lion at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival.
May el-Thouky | |
|---|---|
El-Thouky in 2026 | |
| Born | 17 August 1977 Charlottenlund, Denmark |
| Education | DASPA, National Film School of Denmark |
| Occupation | Filmmaker |
| Partner | Mikael Rieks |
| Children | 1 |
Early life
May el-Thouky graduated from the Danish National School of Performing Arts in 2002, and later as a film director from the National Film School of Denmark in 2009.
Career
She creates films featuring complicated protagonists, like the 2019 film Queen of Hearts[1] and 2026 Woman Unknown. Woman Unknown was the only film by a female director initially included in the 2026 Venice Film Festival main competition.[2]
She was a signing member of the Dogma 25 movement.[2]
Personal life
El-Thouky is a relationship with Danish producer Mikael Rieks. She also has a daughter from a previous relationship.[3]
Filmography
Feature films
| Year | English Title | Original Title |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Long Story Short | Lang historie kort |
| 2019 | Queen of Hearts | Dronningen |
| 2026 | Woman Unknown | Kvinde, ukendt |
Television
| Year | English Title | Original Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | The Legacy | Arvingerne | Directed 2 episodes |
| Ride Upon the Storm | Herrens Veje | Directed 2 episodes | |
| 2020 | Cry Wolf | Ulven kommer | Directed 2 episodes |
| 2022–23 | The Crown | Directed 4 episodes | |