Cairo Double Bill

Explore the streets of Cairo as it was in the 90s and as it is today with two of Egypt’s finest filmmaking talents, both of whom reflect on creativity and freedom within the city.

In From Cairo (2021, UK Premiere), Hala Galal documents the lives — and resilience — of two single women, Heba and Aya, who are defying norms to carve out space for their dreams. Both women have a desire to create space for more voices and nuanced perspectives in Egypt. They live alone and work in art specifically, through which they find their way, achieve their dreams and find some happiness—regardless of the consequences.

From Cairo will be preceded by Cairo as Seen by Chahine (1991). This concise masterpiece by famed filmmaker Youssef Chahine began as a commission by French television. Using his unique sense of artistic digression, Chahine transforms this portrait of a city into a self-portrait of a filmmaker. The film was banned in Egypt for its realistic portrayal of Cairo.