Egyptian director Ismail Abdel Hafiz lost his long battle with an illness on Thursday in Paris. Tunisian actress Ferial Youssif, who worked with Hafiz on his last series Ibn Leil (Night’s Boy), said it was like losing a father. “He was very kind, and treated us like his family. It was clear he cared for us because used to sit with us and have breakfast every day. This made us feel like we were one family. “I send condolences to his family and his son and I ask God to rest him in peace,” Ferial tearfully told Arabstoday. Along with Ibn Leil, which started in Ramadan, his great works include Laialy Al Helmya (Helmya Nights); a highly successful five-part series. The body of the 71-year-old is expected back in Egypt on Friday. He had travelled to Paris to have treatment for his illness.