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about the program
As the Egyptian film industry organized itself during the 1930s, the musical theater and record industry had already created a pool of marketable talent upon which the fledging cinema could draw.
It was only natural that the musical film--a genre that remains popular to the present day--should become a pillar of the Egyptian film industry. This program brings to us some of the films perhaps most familiar to Egyptian audiences.
Deeply entertaining, these films also explicitly address social concerns and political issues, provide insight into the evolution of the Egyptian film industry and changing music traditions, and offer an excellent introduction to the more than 60-year history of the Egyptian film musical.
THE FLIRTATION OF GIRLS /
GHAZAL AL-BANAT
Anwar Wagdi, 1949; 120m
A virtual who's who of early Egyptian stage and cinema, this film's story centers around an older man who, in the best interest of the younger woman he loves, steps aside in favor of a younger man. Made in the style of the popular Franco-Arabe theatrical revue, a hybrid combining popular French theater with Egyptian music and topics, the film highlights its theme of one generation stepping aside for the next in its casting of two aging stars, Naguib al-Rihani and Muhammad Abd al-Wahhab, as well as younger stars Layla Murad and Yusuf Wahbi. A breezy light-hearted romp, the film is considered among the best Egyptian musicals ever produced, a snapshot of the genre's past and future.
Wed Mar 24: 2 pm and 6:30 pm;
Thurs Mar 25: 4:20 pm and 9 pm
DAHAB
Anwar Wagdi, 1953; 120m
The 1950s were the golden age for the Egyptian musical, and provided ample opportunity for new talent to break into show business. Sometimes, as in DAHAB, that talent was very young indeed: the films features the precocious childstar Fayruz, an Egyptian Shirley Temple who sang and danced in a surprisingly adult manner. Fayruz plays Dahab, a young girl abandoned to the streets who uses her talents to rise out of poverty. Featuring a brief appearance by comedian Ismail Yasin, beloved to this day, DAHAB is a heartwarming and entertaining film.
Wed Mar 24: 4:15 pm and 8:45 pm
Thurs Mar 25: 2 pm and 6:40 pm
EVERY BEAT OF MY HEART /
KULL DAQQA FI QALBI
Ahmad Diya' al-Din, 1959; 93m
A young dancer (Samiya Gamal) and an aspiring singer (Muhammad Fawzi) collide cars, resulting in true love. The young woman already has a suitor, however, and he jealously dreams up an elaborate scheme to discredit his rival. As both of the young lovers' careers blossom, a reporter asks at every opportunity, "And how fast is your heart beating now?" Superstar Gamal's marvelous dancing
quickens heartbeats throughout this delightful comedy.
Fri Mar 26: 4 pm and 8:15 pm;
Sat Mar 27: 6:45 pm;
Sun Mar 28: 6:45 pm
LOVE IN KARNAK /
GHARAM FI AL-KARNAK
Ali Rida, 1967; 105m
A brilliant blending of Egypt's past and present cultural traditions, LOVE IN KARNAK tells a fictionalized account of the founding of Egypt's first national folkloric dance group, The Rida Troupe. Romantic complications between the troupe's two lead dancers jeopardize the successful completion of their first show. KARNAK features stunning ensemble dancing adapted from Egyptian folk traditions, in contrast to the solo-dancing cabaret routines performed in 50s-style films.
Fri Mar 26: 2 and 6:15 pm
Sat Mar 27: 4:30 pm;
Sun Mar 28: 8:40 pm;
Tues Mar 30: 4:30 pm
ICE CREAM IN GLEAM /
AYS KRIM FI GLIM
Khairy Bishara, 1992; 120m
Featuring Amr Diyab, one of Egypt's most popular contemporary singers, this film is an upbeat tale of a young rebel's drive to succeed. Bucking many social conventions, Diyab's character lives a marginal but happy life as a delivery boy, biding his time while planning for success. A lively film about the need to appreciate one's past while also
striving to look towards a new path to the future.
Sat Mar 27: 9 pm;
Sun Mar 28: 4:30 pm;
Tues Mar 30: 2 pm
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