The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

The United Nations General Assembly designated September 23 as International Sign Language Day to emphasise the significance of sign language in ensuring the human rights of deaf individuals are fully realised. In honour of this important day, we spotlight a groundbreaking initiative, Cinema for the Deaf, and highlight films that authentically represent the deaf community.

Cinema for the Deaf Platform

A game-changer in the Arab world, Cinema Deaf is a newly launched platform that aims to break down barriers between cinema and the deaf community. The platform provides short Arabic films, all translated into sign language, for free. It stemmed from an earlier initiative, Cinema Everywhere, which screened films in alternative spaces for underserved communities. 

The platform’s current library includes 10 critically acclaimed short films, with every film undergoing a rigorous translation, review, and editing process, ensuring that the content is accessible and respectful of the deaf audience. This initiative highlights the transformative power of cinema to reach marginalised communities and provide them with a meaningful cultural experience.

The commitment to making media accessible for the deaf extends beyond independent projects. In a landmark move, United Media Services decided to translate all its series into sign language for the 2024 Ramadan season. This initiative, available on streaming platforms like WATCH IT, is the first of its kind in Egypt and has been praised by disability advocates.

6 Egyptian Movies Depicting Characters with Hearing Impairments:

Though often overlooked, Egyptian cinema has a history of portraying deaf characters in ways that explore their struggles and triumphs. Here are some notable films that have offered an authentic depiction of deaf individuals and their stories:

1- Raseef Nemra 5 (1956)

Released in 1956, this film featured Naima Wasfi as a mute woman who witnesses a murder. Despite the brevity of her role, her performance was pivotal, marking one of the earliest instances of a deaf-mute character in Egyptian cinema.

2- El Kharsa (1961)

A cornerstone of Egyptian cinema, this 1961 film features the legendary Samira Ahmed in one of the earliest portrayals of a deaf character in Egyptian cinema. Her character, a young girl who cannot express herself verbally, faces violence and societal prejudice, highlighting the isolation and abuse that people with disabilities often experience. Samira’s commitment to learning sign language for the role added authenticity to her portrayal, earning her critical acclaim.

3- El Maghoul (1984)

Another unforgettable performance would be that of Adel Adham. In this 1984 film, he plays a deaf-mute servant caught up in a criminal scheme. The role was a departure from Adel Adham typically comedic repertoire, showcasing his ability to deliver a nuanced performance using only physicality and facial expression.

4- Geziret El Shetan (1990)

Released in 1990, this adventure film stars Noha El Amrousy as Hamidou, a deaf and lively character who embarks on a treasure hunt with a group of adventurers. The film, directed by Nader Galal, uses Hamidou’s perspective to add depth and humour to the narrative.

5- El Sarkha (1991)

A 1991 classic starring Nour El-Sherif as Omar Faramawy, a young man who suffers from deafness. Nour’s portrayal of a deaf character navigating a world that exploits and dismisses him remains one of his most powerful performances. Without uttering a single word throughout the film, he was able to capture the emotional turmoil of his character, using only sign language and facial expressions to convey his message.

6- El Garage (1995)

In 1995, Farouk El Fishawy played the role of Abdullah, who was deaf and mute. He was in love with Naimaa, played by Naglaa Fathi, and devoted his life to serving her and her children. In silence, they both worked in a building’s garage, and Abdullah was protecting her from her husband’s brutality.