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

International Elders Day is a day marked on the 1st of October to promote the integration of older persons into all areas of society, as well as cinema. Unfortunately, few films have explored older generations’ lives, struggles, and needs. However, the ones that did allow viewers to reflect on the complexities of ageing remind us that ageing is not an end but a continuation, a journey filled with love, loss, wisdom, and discovery.

Through these movies, cinema pays homage to its elders, ensuring their voices are heard, their experiences shared, and their dignity preserved.

Photocopy

Egyptian cinema is known for capturing human emotions, and Photocopy stands out as a sensitive portrayal of ageing. The film tells the story of Mahmoud, played by Mahmoud Hemeida, a retired man in his late fifties who runs a small photocopy shop. His mundane routine is disrupted when he becomes fascinated by dinosaurs, sparking an unexpected journey of rediscovery.

Through his obsession with extinction, the film subtly parallels his struggles with loneliness, loss, and the passing of time. The central relationship between Mahmoud and his neighbour, Safiya, offers a tender exploration of late-life romance. Safiya, a widow whose son has moved abroad, shares Mahmoud’s isolation. Through soft, romantic scenes, Photocopy beautifully illustrates how love, friendship, and the search for meaning persist long after youth fades.

El Harsha El Sab3a

With this hit show, Mariam Naoum has taken Egyptian television by storm. As usual, she offered a thoughtful portrayal of love, marriage, and the complexities that arise over decades of commitment. While the series primarily focuses on younger couples, its most compelling narrative comes from the older pair played by Aida Riad and Mohamed Mahmoud.

Through their strained marriage, we witness the wear and tear that 30 years together can inflict. Their story becomes a reminder that love, even in its later stages, requires continuous effort and adaptation. Their decision to divorce after decades of marriage offers a stark, honest look at how relationships evolve and sometimes dissolve, even at an age when societal expectations might dictate otherwise.

Kamel El 3adad

Kamel El 3adad quickly gained traction for its lighthearted yet heartfelt approach to family dynamics. The show presents a blended family trying to merge two distinct worlds with moments of comedy, tension, and genuine connection. What stands out most is its sensitive portrayal of older characters, particularly those played by Essad Younes and Ahmed Kamal. Hayat, a former starlet, struggles to accept the passage of time as she reminisces about her lost dreams of fame. Her story touches on the fear of ageing and the desire to remain relevant, even when society overlooks those no longer young.

Taymour, on the other hand, represents a more grounded portrayal of ageing. Living on a farm, he embodies a peaceful, contented existence, balancing the joys of family life with his love for nature.

Wara Kol Bab

The story Raq El Habib from Wara Kol Bab series portrayed love and romance in old age. The story, starring Sawsan Badr and Ahmed Fouad Selim, follows the lives of elderly characters suffering from their children’s neglect by being placed in nursing homes.

The show vividly depicts loneliness and societal disregard for the elderly. Through the story’s exploration of inheritance disputes, family greed, and the quest for love, Raq El Habib touches viewers, reminding them that human connection does not fade with age.

Wa2fet Regala

Wa2fet Regala broke cinematic norms by focusing on a group of friends in their fifties who embark on a journey of self-discovery after one of them suffers a personal loss. Starring Sayed Ragab, Bayoumi Fouad, and Maged El Kedwany, the film offered a refreshing take on male friendships in later life.

Unlike many films that focus on the trials of youth, Wa2fet Regala shows that life remains full of adventure, even after middle age. The film’s comedic yet sensitive approach resonated with audiences, proving that stories centring on older characters can be entertaining and purposeful.

Maqsoum

The film takes the audience on a nostalgic journey back to the 1980s when the successful band Amici was at its peak. The storyline introduces us to the band’s members in their youthful days, capturing their rise to fame and shared dreams. However, the narrative soon transitions to the present day, where these characters are now elderly, reflecting on the choices they made during their youth.

What sets Maqsoum apart is its exploration of how the passage of time affects the ambitions and relationships of older people. The characters’ struggles with ageing, unfulfilled dreams, and the bittersweet memories of their past offer viewers an emotional portrayal of the human experience. This touching narrative presents a rare and intimate look at the lives of older adults.