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

Image via Zawya

Being a home for independent cinema, Zawya is committed to screening films from all parts of the world, not just Western Europe or North America. Zawya launched its first Global South Cinema programme on the 9th of January, so let’s look at the details and its influential impact.

What’s the Global South Cinema Programme?

Image via Zawya

To share an equal focus on international independent cinema, Zawya has created the Global South Cinema programme, which extends its inclusivity and diversity by screening independent films from different parts of the world, especially the parts that usually don’t get as much attention as the West. 

The idea was to invite Yousry Nasrallah, Khairy Beshara, Hend Sabry, Mariam Abu Auf, and Omar El-Zohairy to each pick a film representing their cinematic passion and practice from countries in the Global South. Each of these films has two screenings; one followed by an open discussion with the filmmaker who picked the film and another for those who would love to watch the masterpiece on the big screen.

Why is this programme important?

Image via Zawya

The Global South Cinema programme marks the first in a series of screenings by Zawya as they aim to show more diverse films from the global South that are often overlooked in international cinema, as the term international cinema usually leans towards a more Euro-American centrism. The programme aims to broaden the international cinematic focus to a genuinely global scale.

This focus shift is essential to moving forward. Exploring and including the more marginalised cinemas is a great way to introduce the audience to different cultures, traditions, and histories that are equally as rich and interesting as the widely spread cinema, if not more. Programmes like these are an excellent tool for cultural exchange that maintains an artistic shared dialogue between countries of the Global South.

What to Watch at the Program

In the Mood for Love

Picked by Hend Sabry, the film was screened and discussed by her on the 9th of January, marking the programme’s start. The film is Wong Kar Wai’s timeless masterpiece, and to this day, it is a marvel of cinematic capabilities and visual storytelling. There’ll be another screening on the 18th of January.

Memories of Underdevelopment

Picked by Yousry Nasrallah, Tomás Gutiérrez Alea’s Memories of Underdevelopment marked Cuban cinema’s first international success, representing a legendary political commentary on the changes following the Cuban revolution. The screening discussion was held on the 11^th of January but the film will be screened again on the 27^th.

The Aquarium

Omar El-Zohairy picked Yousry Narallah’s iconic film, The Aquarium. The film represents a social commentary on the difference of lives and generations intertwining within Cairo. The film was discussed by Omar El-Zohairy and Yousry Nasrallah on Monday. The other screening will be on the 25^th of January.

Pather Panchali

Picked by Khairy Beshara, Pather Panchali is a moving, beautiful narrative of rural life in Bengal, told through the life and struggles of a young boy named Apu and his elder sister, Durga. The film will be screened on the 16^th and 27^th of January, the first screening will include the discussion by Khairy Beshara.

Underground

Picked by Mariam Abu Auf, Underground is a dark comedy depicting World War II in the Balkans with a visually powerful narration. The discussion showing will be held on the 23^rd of January. The film will be screened again on the 31^st, marking the end of the programme.

Don’t forget to check the booking details on Zawya and catch the chance to view and enjoy these stunning cinematic masterpieces on the big screen in the heart of Downtown.