Alexandria in Frame: 7 Nostalgic Films From the Coastal City
Aug 06, 2025
From the 1970s through the 2020s, these seven films trace Alexandria's evolving identity through stories of longing, displacement, and return. Whether through homecomings, romantic disillusionment, or snapshots of youth culture, each film captures a version of Alexandria - real or remembered - that reflects its layered past and uncertain present. Rasayel El Bahr (2010)
Dawood Abdel Sayed's 'Rasayel El Bahr' (Messages from the Sea) blends psychological drama and social realism in the story of Yehia, a stammering doctor who abandons Cairo for the familiarity of Alexandria. Becoming a fisherman, he struggles to find the cosmopolitan city of his childhood, confronting ghosts from his past as he drifts through a place he no longer recognises. Microphone (2010)
Directed by Ahmad Abdalla, 'Microphone' explores Alexandria's underground art scene through the eyes of Khaled, a man reeling from personal loss. Skaters, graffiti artists, and musicians populate the city's margins, giving Khaled a renewed sense of purpose. What begins as an attempt to revive a past relationship becomes a journey through the city's present - and his own. Back to Alexandria (2023)
After 20 years away, Sue must fly home and confront her estranged and dying mother, Fairouz. Lebanese actress Nadine Labaki stars in this drama alongside Fanny Ardant as a mother-daughter duo. Nostalgia colours the vintage shots in this contemplative reconciliation with a past life in Alexandria. Ice Cream Fi Gleem (1992)
In this musical drama, Amr Diab plays Saif, an aspiring singer living with friends in a garage. He leaves Alexandria for Cairo in search of fame, only to encounter setbacks, romance, and moments of self-discovery. Directed by Khairy Beshara, 'Ice Cream Fi Gleem' remains iconic for its soundtrack and snapshot of 1990s youth culture. Sayea' Bahr (2004)
A street vendor in Alexandria, Hantera is wrongfully accused of murder in this romantic comedy-drama. With help from his friends, he must clear his name in time to marry his fiancée. Starring Yasmine Abdel Aziz and Ahmed Helmy, Sayea' Bahr is a light-hearted yet grounded portrayal of love and loyalty under pressure. Eskendereya…Leh? (1979)
In 'Eskendereya…Leh?' ('Alexandria…Why?'), Youssef Chahine directs a film about his early life in the city during WWII. Protagonist Yehia plays director Chahine in the first of multiple autobiographical films. Yehia has dreams of acting and filmmaking in Hollywood, which he is forced to reconcile with the realities of war. Habiby Da'iman (1980)
Set against the backdrop of Alexandria, this classic romance follows Farida, who agrees to an arranged marriage with wealthy Osama but remains in love with Ibrahim, a medical student. Years later, divorced and returning from Paris, she receives news that changes everything. 'Habiby Da'iman' (My Love Always) captures the bittersweet ache of missed chances and enduring love.
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