Egyptian cinema underwent a transitional period in the 1990s.
A new generation of directors, writers and actors was drawn to creating more innovative, serious pieces of work. In particular, there was more use of comedy as a tool, not only to entertain, but also to observe and critique society in more nuanced ways.
It was a time when creatives explored social issues (particularly those facing the Egyptian middle classes) through stories that led to the country's state during the 1990s. These pull from both historical incidents and contemporary issues.
From dark comedies to biographies, here are The National’s picks for the eight films you should watch from the 1990s.
Supermarket, 1990
Directed by one of Egypt’s most celebrated directors, the late Mohamed Khan, Supermarket has been hailed for its exploration of the social and economic changes the country faced as it entered a new decade.
The story follows Ramzi, a principled musician who works as a pianist at a luxury hotel. The film delves into Ramzi's troubled marriage and issues with his in-laws. The film is a nuanced portrait of Egyptian society at a time of great change. It shows how art, culture and social class were transforming in the light of growing capitalist pursuits.
Iskandria Kaman wa Kaman (Alexandria Again and Forever), 1990
The third instalment of renowned director Youssef Chahine's Alexandria Trilogy, the film is a blend of genres and an exploration of identity.
Based on Chahine’s own life, the story explores the experiences of ageing film director Yehia Eskandarany, played by Chahine himself, as he looks back at his career after a violent argument with his favourite actor and friend, Amr.
Yehia’s whole life, his love for his country and for cinema in particular, shifts as he tries to understand the root of the breakdown with his long-time collaborator through the lens of his career.
The film is a feat in storytelling, where the non-linear narrative combines elements of romance, comedy, political drama, bold musical numbers and dances that act as an extension of Yehia's emotional state and aspirations.
Kit Kat, 1991
The comedy-drama follows Sheikh Hosni, a blind man living in the Al-Kit Kat neighbourhood in the slums of Giza, Egypt.
Played by the renowned actor Mahmoud Abdel Aziz, Sheikh lives with his elderly mother and frustrated son Youssef who dreams of moving to Europe.
Despite Sheikh’s blindness, he refuses to accept his disability as a limitation to his dreams of riding a motorcycle. In order to cope with his less than desirable financial circumstances and his strained relationship with his son, Sheikh spends his time using drugs and learning the affairs and secrets of the people in his neighbourhood.
The film is notable for its portrayal of the everyday struggles faced by inhabitants of the slums in Egypt.
Shahateen wa Noubalaa (Beggars and Noblemen), 1991
Based on the novel Proud Beggars by the Egyptian-French writer Albert Cossery, the film is set in Cairo during the final days of the Second World War.
It follows the story of two men who are intricately connected to one another. Gohar, a former university professor, has killed a young prostitute in an empty brothel. Nour El-Din is the police inspector who has been assigned to investigate the murder.
In his pursuit of Gohar, the story unfolds the lives and struggles of both men while depicting a powerful portrayal of Egyptian society during a significant historical period that dramatically changed the country’s future.
Al-irhab wal Kabab (Terrorism and the Kebab), 1992
Starring the Arab world’s most celebrated actors and comedians such as Adel Emam, this film is a satirical take on bureaucracy and social issues in Egypt that felt relevant across the region.
The story revolves around Ahmed, a frustrated family man, played by Emam, visiting the Mogamma, a large and complex government building in Cairo, in order to obtain a school transfer for his children.
However, after days of unsuccessful attempts to navigate the overly complicated bureaucratic process, Ahmed unwittingly becomes entangled in a series of events and finds himself in control of the whole building and organisation. The film uses humour to critic inefficiency and corruption.
Harb al Farawla (Strawberry War) 1994
The dark comedy explores themes of happiness and wealth through the lives of three characters who become entangled in an affair.
Thabet, played by the Sami El Adl, is a wealthy businessman who becomes depressed after losing his only son and is trying to make sense of his life. He then meets Hamama, played by Mahmoud Hemeida, a poor fruit seller engaged to Farawla, played by the renowned actress Yousra, a flower-selling widow with a young son
When Thabet’s lawyer offers the couple money and a home to “cure” his client of depression the three spend more time together and Thabet finds himself intrigued by Farawla, enraging Hamama along the way.
Known for its unusual story, fantastical story elements and its dark sense of humour, the film has been acclaimed for its unique approach to important societal issues.
Nasser 56, 1996
Starring the late legendary actor Ahmed Zaki in one of his most well known roles, this is a historical film that focuses on a pivotal moment in Egyptian history that greatly affected the Arab region – and the world.
The nationalisation of the Suez Canal is one of the most notable and dangerous periods during former Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser's (played by Zaki) time in office. The story is told from an Egyptian and nationalist point of view, exploring Nasser’s relationship with the Revolutionary Command Council, ministers, his office, as well as his wife, children, and father during this time.
Arak al-Balah (Date Wine), 1998
Set in a remote upper Egyptian village, cut off from the rest of the world, a mysterious stranger arrives and lures men away with promises of wealth and opportunity in far away lands. Only two men remain behind – an elderly, disabled grandfather and his grandson, Ahmed, whose ambition is to climb the tallest palm tree in the village.
When some of the men eventually return from their trip, they are different – bitter and hardened by the outside world and resentful of Ahmed’s cherished position in the village.
The film explores themes that were becoming more prevalent in the zeitgeist of the time, such as migration, tradition, and masculinity.
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Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
The biog
Job: Fitness entrepreneur, body-builder and trainer
Favourite superhero: Batman
Favourite quote: We must become the change we want to see, by Mahatma Gandhi.
Favourite car: Lamborghini
WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
ODI FIXTURE SCHEDULE
First ODI, October 22
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Second ODI, October 25
Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
Third ODI, October 29
Venue TBC
FIXTURES
All games 6pm UAE on Sunday:
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yallacompare profile
Date of launch: 2014
Founder: Jon Richards, founder and chief executive; Samer Chebab, co-founder and chief operating officer, and Jonathan Rawlings, co-founder and chief financial officer
Based: Media City, Dubai
Sector: Financial services
Size: 120 employees
Investors: 2014: $500,000 in a seed round led by Mulverhill Associates; 2015: $3m in Series A funding led by STC Ventures (managed by Iris Capital), Wamda and Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority; 2019: $8m in Series B funding with the same investors as Series A along with Precinct Partners, Saned and Argo Ventures (the VC arm of multinational insurer Argo Group)
Most%20ODI%20hundreds
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The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Cry Macho
Director: Clint Eastwood
Stars: Clint Eastwood, Dwight Yoakam
Rating:**
Company%20profile
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The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
School counsellors on mental well-being
Schools counsellors in Abu Dhabi have put a number of provisions in place to help support pupils returning to the classroom next week.
Many children will resume in-person lessons for the first time in 10 months and parents previously raised concerns about the long-term effects of distance learning.
Schools leaders and counsellors said extra support will be offered to anyone that needs it. Additionally, heads of years will be on hand to offer advice or coping mechanisms to ease any concerns.
“Anxiety this time round has really spiralled, more so than from the first lockdown at the beginning of the pandemic,” said Priya Mitchell, counsellor at The British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi.
“Some have got used to being at home don’t want to go back, while others are desperate to get back.
“We have seen an increase in depressive symptoms, especially with older pupils, and self-harm is starting younger.
“It is worrying and has taught us how important it is that we prioritise mental well-being.”
Ms Mitchell said she was liaising more with heads of year so they can support and offer advice to pupils if the demand is there.
The school will also carry out mental well-being checks so they can pick up on any behavioural patterns and put interventions in place to help pupils.
At Raha International School, the well-being team has provided parents with assessment surveys to see how they can support students at home to transition back to school.
“They have created a Well-being Resource Bank that parents have access to on information on various domains of mental health for students and families,” a team member said.
“Our pastoral team have been working with students to help ease the transition and reduce anxiety that [pupils] may experience after some have been nearly a year off campus.
"Special secondary tutorial classes have also focused on preparing students for their return; going over new guidelines, expectations and daily schedules.”
The Bio
Favourite vegetable: “I really like the taste of the beetroot, the potatoes and the eggplant we are producing.”
Holiday destination: “I like Paris very much, it’s a city very close to my heart.”
Book: “Das Kapital, by Karl Marx. I am not a communist, but there are a lot of lessons for the capitalist system, if you let it get out of control, and humanity.”
Musician: “I like very much Fairuz, the Lebanese singer, and the other is Umm Kulthum. Fairuz is for listening to in the morning, Umm Kulthum for the night.”
The five pillars of Islam
The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Price, base / as tested Dh99,000 / Dh132,000
Engine 3.6L V6
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power 275hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 350Nm @ 3,700rpm
Fuel economy combined 12.2L / 100km
Specs%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%20train%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4.0-litre%20twin-turbo%20V8%20and%20synchronous%20electric%20motor%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20power%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E800hp%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20torque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E950Nm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EEight-speed%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E25.7kWh%20lithium-ion%3Cbr%3E0-100km%2Fh%3A%203.4sec%3Cbr%3E0-200km%2Fh%3A%2011.4sec%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETop%20speed%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E312km%2Fh%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20electric-only%20range%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2060km%20(claimed)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Q3%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh1.2m%20(estimate)%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
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KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
