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

While no one can resist the power of the silver screen, cinema enthusiasts are split into two halves; those who are after the latest Hollywood blockbusters and those who would rather revisit the golden age of cinema, or expose their eyes and minds to an off-beat movie, made anywhere else but Hollywood.

Luckily, here in Cairo, even when it comes to movies, there’s something for everyone; while cinemas are plentiful, where you can go to watch the latest mainstream movies, only a few places cater to the cravings of classics, international and underground enthusiasts. Here’s a list of places around Cairo, which host the screenings of some of the seventh art’s hidden gems.

The Netherlands-Flemish Institute in Cairo – NVIC

From serious documentaries to classics, Zamalek’s Netherlands-Flemish Institute in Cairo offers a variety of genres from all over the world. Subtitled in either Arabic or English, according to the language of the movie, the screenings take place every Sunday at 7.30PM. In order to give the audience the bigger picture, some of the movies are followed by Q&As with the filmmakers. While the screenings are for free, reservations are highly recommended.

3elbet Alwan

While the place doesn’t have a fixed day for the screenings, 3elbet Alwan in Zamalek hosts not less than three screenings a month. Untied to a specific genre, the screenings usually start at 7PM and the subtitles are subject to availability. Tickets are 50LE including a drink, while reservations are also recommended.

The Italian Cultural Centre

Hosting a screening every Sunday at 7PM, the Italian Cultural Centre in Zamalek gives you a weekly dose of Italian cinema. While documentaries are rarely screened there, the centre presents various other genres, including comedies and classics. The movies are subtitled in English only and admission is for free, however, reservations are mandatory.

Magnolia

Zamalek seems to have the lion’s share in the places that offer screenings. While other places offer a single screening per week, Magnolia presents more than one screening. Also, the venue sometimes devotes the screenings to a certain theme, like February’s Japanese Month, or December’s TV Shows Carnival. Subtitles are in either English or Arabic, according to availability, and tickets range between 20LE and 35LE, and sometimes for free.

ROOM Art Space

Known for their good taste in live music, the guys at ROOM Art Space also know a thing or two about film. Every Sunday at 8.30PM, you can enjoy an interesting movie while sipping a cup of coffee. Whether it’s a documentary, a classic, or even an experimental artsy movie, ROOM Art Space has it all. Some of the screenings are followed by open discussions to allow the audiences to share their insights. Tickets are 25LE. Bear in mind that Garden City’s ROOM Art Space is something of a favourite in Cairo, so we highly recommend reserving a spot beforehand.

Balcon Lounge

Besides being a café and general meeting spot, this hidden gem in Heliopolis is devoted to screening some of the best international movies. With a cinematic double dose, Balcon Lounge hosts screenings every Friday at 7PM and Monday at 8PM. Tickets are 25LE and reservations are recommended.

Zawya

Last but not least, we have Zawya. It’s an obvious addition to the list, but it happens to be one of the best, places in Cairo for both underground and international film, but with a commercial theatre experience. Zawya also takes part in many of Cairo’s cultural festivals, giving enthusiasts access to the latest international movies in the field. English and Arabic subtitles are available. Tickets are 30LE for 12PM screenings and 35LE for the rest of the screenings, which are 5PM and 7PM.

Stay up-to-date on all the screenings at these and other places across the capital with the Cairo 360 events calendar.