Egyptian debuts in Amman - Culture - Al-Ahram Weekly
Themed 'A World Unscripted', this round celebrates films that break out of traditional storytelling structures, showcasing stories that feel more lived than written. Egyptian films stand out for their number, their diverse and compelling narratives and the way they highlight the ongoing evolution of Egyptian cinema, with emerging filmmakers making a substantial contribution to the scene. Beyond the films themselves, Egypt's involvement is marked by the active participation of filmmakers in key festival initiatives, fostering new industry connections and collaborations within the Arab cinematic landscape.
The Egyptian presence at AIFF is underscored by two celebrated figures serving on the Black Iris Award Jury for Non-Arab Film: the renowned director and screenwriter Yousry Nasrallah; and the award-winning director and producer Jihan El-Tahri. Both filmmakers are also members of the festival's Advisory Board.
The Amman Film Industry Days (AFID) also selected four Egyptian projects, showcasing emerging and established talents at various stages of production. These films bring fresh and diverse voices to the global film landscape, highlighting the dynamic nature of contemporary Egyptian cinema.
The Cow Thief, directed by Mohamed Zidan and produced by Mark Lotfy, blends docu-fiction with investigative cinema to explore the 1980s murder of Egyptian director Niazi Mustafa. Zidan's debut feature documentary, I HAVE A PICTURE (2017), won several prestigious awards, including the Golden Star at El Gouna Film Festival, the Jury Prize at the Tripoli Film Festival, and the Jury Prize for Best Documentary at the Cairo National Festival for Egyptian Cinema.
Like a Bird in the Sky, directed by Amal Ramsis and produced by Amal Ramsis and Jana Wehbe, is Ramsis' debut feature-length fiction film. The film explores personal and societal struggles in contemporary Egypt and follows the success of her previous documentary You Come From Far Away (2018), which won multiple awards, including the Silver Tanit at the Carthage Film Festival and the African Federation of Film Critics (FACC) Award and the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) Award at the Ismailia International Film Festival for Documentaries and Shorts. Ramsis' short films, including Only Dreams (2005), Forbidden (2011), and The Trace of the Butterfly (2015), have gained international recognition, screening at art venues and festivals worldwide.
The Masters of Magic and Beauty, directed by Jad Chahine and produced by Baho Bakhsh and Safei Eldin Mahmoud, offers a mythical narrative. Set in the desert, the film follows a couple seeking blessings for their unborn child, but a miscarriage and magic complicate their lives. Chahine's short film The Call of the Brook (2023) was the first Egyptian film selected for the La Cinef competition at Cannes in 2014.
All That the Wind Can Carry, directed by Maged Nader and produced by Tamer Al-Said, explores the complexities of memory and family history within Egypt's Coptic community. The film combines home videos, narrative scenes and dreams to unravel the story of a family dealing with memory loss. Nader, a cinematographer and director, has worked on films like Souad (2020), which was selected for the Cannes Film Festival, directing short films showcased at international festivals, including the Forum Expanded at the Berlinale. He is currently the co-executive director of the Cimatheque Alternative Film Centre.
Egyptian films have earned prominent positions in the competitive sections of the Amman International Film Festival, with Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo, directed by Khaled Mansour, taking centre stage in the Arab Feature-Length Narrative Films category. The film, which had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, follows the emotional journey of a man who embarks on a quest to protect his dog from a vengeful landlord. After its Venice debut, the film went on to screen at the CinemaMed Festival in Belgium, where it won both the Grand Prize and the Jury Award. It continued to earn widespread recognition, securing the Jury Award at the Red Sea Film Festival and receiving a Special Mention at the 35th Carthage Film Days. The film has also garnered multiple awards at various prestigious regional and international festivals. Its screening in Egyptian and Arab cinemas enjoyed exceptional success, with longer-than-usual runs for an independent film, a testament to its growing popularity. Written by Mohamed Al-Husseini and Khaled Mansour, Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo stars Essam Omar, Rakeen Saad, Sama Ibrahim, and Ahmed Bahaa.
Spring Came on Laughing, directed by Noha Adel, also stands out in the same category for its poignant exploration of interwoven human narratives set against the backdrop of spring. The film presents four interconnected stories, each unfolding within the seasonal transition of spring. The film firmly established Adel as a powerful new voice in Egyptian cinema, garnering four prestigious awards at the 45th Cairo International Film Festival, including the Henry Barakat Award for Best Artistic Contribution to Noha Adel, the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) Prize, the Salah Abu Seif Award for Best Director, and a Special Mention for actress Rehab Anan for her role in the film.
In the Arab Feature Documentary Films competition, Abo Zaabal 89, directed by Bassam Mortada, delves into the personal impact of Egypt's political landscape on his family's history, offering an intimate reflection on memory and trauma. The film premiered at the Cairo International Film Festival and was screened at major festivals such as IDFA and Carthage Film Festival, among others. This documentary marks Mortada's debut in feature filmmaking and has made a strong impression with its emotionally powerful storytelling.
Meanwhile, in the Arab Short Films competition, several Egyptian films are making their mark with unique and powerful storytelling. Are You a Rabbit? directed by Hatem Emam, is a deeply symbolic exploration of an artist's struggle with his restrictive life, blending reality with dark fantasy. The film follows an art teacher who is fired from his job and embarks on a deep journey of reflection with his son about the essence of simple living and its inherent cruelty. As the father confronts the grim realisation of his bleak existence, symbolised by the rabbits, he is plunged into a dark, reflective space where the line between his reality and his dark imagination becomes increasingly blurred. Hatem Emam, an Egyptian writer and director, is currently studying at the Faculty of Filmmaking and Theater Arts at Badr University. His short film has been featured in numerous international festivals, including the Ismailia International Film Festival, Accessible Film Festival, and Xposure International Film and Photography Festival.
In the same competition, Mango, directed by Randa Ali and produced by Mohamed Taymour, offers a moving exploration of loss and grief through the relationship between a daughter and her estranged father. The film had its world premiere in the official competition at the 46th Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival in 2024 and has since been showcased at multiple prestigious festivals, including CinemAmbiente – Environmental Film Festival in Italy, Uppsala Short Film Festival in Sweden, and Bilbao International Film Festival – ZINEBI in Spain. Mango won the WWF MedFilm Award and has garnered acclaim at various festivals, including the Cairo International Film Festival. Randa Ali, a filmmaker working between Egypt and the USA, has been recognised for her exploration of alienation and connection in her work.
Loop, directed by Eslam Qotb, presents a visually expressive narrative about a young woman who, stressed by life's pressures, escapes reality through drugs and faces the consequences. The film has been screened at several film festivals and was awarded Best Arabian Student Film at Animatex 2025. Eslam Qotb, an animator, transitioned from digital illustration to filmmaking after graduating from the High Cinema Institute.
A Passing Day, directed by Rasha Shahin, explores the emotional aftermath of war. The film premiered at the Cairo International Film Festival and marks Shahin's debut short fiction film. Rasha Shahin, a Syrian director, moved to Egypt in 2013 to pursue filmmaking at the High Cinema Institute in Cairo. The film is produced by Baho Bakhsh and Safei Eldin Mahmoud, founders and directors of Red Star Production House. It stars Reem Hegab, an Egyptian director, writer, actress, performer, and choreographer, alongside actor Khaled Kamal.
In the Out of Competition section, Egyptian filmmakers are making their mark with Stephanie Amin's I Found My Love in Masarra, a short film that blends family archives, immigration, and personal reflection. The film offers a poignant look at identity and the spaces between two cultures. Stephanie Amin is an independent researcher and filmmaker with a master's degree in political sociology from Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne.
The Amman International Film Festival – Awal Film continues to be an important platform for showcasing emerging talent in Arab and international cinema. By focusing on showcasing emerging talent in Arab and international cinema, featuring debut films across various formats, including feature fiction, feature documentaries, and short films, the festival provides a valuable opportunity for alternative narrative and fresh voices to be heard.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 26 June, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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CairoScene
8 hours ago
- CairoScene
Sahel Bites Back: SceneEats' Definitive List of Sahel's Best Eats
Sahel is an overwhelming fever dream of sunburns, side roads, and 47 restaurant openings you swear you've never heard of. Every day brings a new menu, a soft opening, a delayed opening, a beach cart turned fine dining concept (we see you, Mango on a stick), and a friend calling a friend for a QR code. Add in no signal, 6 people with 12 opinions, and someone suggesting 'let's just eat at the gas station by Hacienda', and suddenly, eating becomes the hardest part of your weekend getaway in Sahel. That's where we come in. We've tasted, tracked, and emotionally recovered from the full chaos of the Sahel food scene, so you don't have to. Whether you're chasing beachside bites, group dinner peace treaties, or just a meal that makes sense after three hours in traffic—this guide has you covered. From coffee to cake, beach bites to bougie dinners, we've organized every reopening worth your hunger. This is Sahel Bites Back—the SceneEats ultimate guide to where (and what) to eat this summer. It's chaotic-good energy, but with Google Sheets discipline. BREAKFAST & BRUNCH 30 North Alamein, Diplo & Lasirena Yes, it's a coffee spot, but it's also got one of the most underrated breakfast menus on the coast. Eggs, toast, croissants, smoothies, you can either grab-and-go or sit and pretend you're not eavesdropping on the table next to you. Qahwa Marassi If you're a breakfast classicist, Qahwa delivers. The pancakes are genuinely excellent, the eggs never miss, and great for when you want something familiar but still coastal-core. Koffee Kulture Branches all over Sahel Koffee Kulture is what you make of it. You can grab a canned cold brew and run, or you can sit and order a full-on breakfast with eggs, avo toast, and actual intention. It's the caffeine constant of the North Coast. Lychee Seashell, Swan Lake, Almaza, Hacienda Red & Marassi Lychee is the go-to for anyone trying to convince themselves that their Sahel trip is a wellness retreat. Bowls, smoothies, nut butters, protein add-ons, you can build the kind of breakfast that makes you feel like you've already worked out (even if you haven't). Mistiqa MV Ras El Hikma, La Vista Bay & Amwaj The rare spot that lets you have fool, ta'meya, and mana'eesh at 9 AM without judgment. It's giving levant brunch meets Egyptian nostalgia with a tan. If you're in Ras El Hikma or La Vista and need something hearty before your sea dip, this is your move. Ladurée Marassi Marina This is the kind of breakfast that comes with a side of posture. You're getting eggs, maybe a croissant, maybe a tart, but definitely something that photographs well. End your meal with a pistachio macaron and pretend your summer budget isn't crying. Cult Hacienda White & Almaza Bagels by the beach? Always a good idea. Cult keeps it simple with solid coffee, great service, and the kind of breakfast that fills you up without slowing you down. Foufa's Masaya For the breakfast crowd that needs quiet, good food, and a proper mazag. Whether you're going for eggs, coffee, or something sweet, Foufa's is the kind of place where everything just feels like it's made with care. Small space, big soul. Ratios by the Beach Almaza Bay If you know, you know, and if you're from Maadi, you've definitely been preaching about Ratios. Their Almaza beach outpost brings the same perfect sourdough, croissants, and bowls that made you fall in love in Cairo. It's technically a bakery, spiritually a lifestyle. 1980 Seashell & Marassi 1980 has quietly built one of the most diverse breakfast menus on the coast. You can grab a coffee, a sandwich, a panuozzo, or something unexpectedly sweet—all in one stop. Cake Cafe Marassi Marina & Hacienda Red Everyone knows Cake for, well, cake—but their breakfast is sneakily one of the best. Think fresh bakes, egg dishes, and all the brunch things that make you stay longer than you meant to. And yes, cake for brunch is always allowed here. Ara Telal, Seashell Hill, Amwaj Ara doesn't try to reinvent breakfast, it just does it well. Fresh ingredients, clean flavors, and that rare calm energy that makes you forget you woke up five minutes before arriving. Eatery Diplo 3, Seashell Walk, Marassi Marina & Solare Ras El Hikma We need to talk about the feteer meshaltet. It's crispy, buttery, flakey, and frankly might be the most important breakfast item on the coast. Moxy's Marassi Moxy's is a bit of a sleeper hit. You go in and walk out slightly addicted to their paninis. If you're in Marassi and want something fast but actually filling, this is your best bet. Kazouza Hacienda Bay There's always one person in the group who wants a real Egyptian breakfast—and this is where you take them. Fool, ta'meya, eggs, eskandarani vibes, and no fluff. UPSCALE DINING Reif Kushiyaki Marassi Marina If you've never had Japanese street food plated like fine art, Reif is your awakening. The skewers slap, the sand-colored interiors scream understated luxury, and it's one of the few places where the hype is fully earned. Sachi by the Sea Almaza Bay & Marassi Marina You already know. This is where you go when the group chat says 'somewhere nice' and no one's in the mood to debate. Sushi, seabass, soft lighting (on its own island), your parents will love it, your date will love it, and honestly? You'll love it too. Izakaya Marassi Marina Loud, moody, and somehow always fully booked. Izakaya brings the whole Nikkei vibe to Marassi with loud cocktails, louder music, and ceviche that disappears in under two minutes. Esca LYV Ras El Hikma Esca's new Ras El Hikma spot feels like a secret you kind of want to gatekeep. Mediterranean with flair, beautiful without trying, and everything tastes like it was plated by someone with immaculate handwriting. The Lemon Tree & Co. Hacienda White The return of this OG coastal legend is for those who brunch like it's performance art and dine like the soft launch is being filmed. Always theatrical, sometimes dramatic, never boring. Galambo Hacienda White Seafood, sunsets, and that one friend who always orders oysters "for the table." Galambo is for those who want their dinner with ocean breeze and a side of maritime fantasy. Stanley Marassi Marina Back for another round in Marassi Marina, Stanley has already earned its place as a comfort spot with just the right touch of cool. It's nostalgic for the people who discovered it last summer, and still feels fresh enough to keep you coming back for more. Bar G Marassi Marina New kid, big energy. Bar G is the new exclusive spot to impress everyone you know. SAX Marassi Dinner-slash-live-show-slash-potential-core-memory. You're not just eating, you're clapping between bites and trying not to drop your fork during the sax solo. The Smokery Bianchi A coastal classic that refuses to disappoint. Whether you're there for the sushi or the seafood pasta, Smokery Bianchi is for people who eat dinner in white linen and mean it. Scalini Hacienda White Now with a new coastal home, Scalini is back to remind you that no one does Italian comfort like they do—especially when it's paired with sunset lighting and just the right amount of smug. San Carlo Marassi Marina After conquering London's food scene, San Carlo has officially docked in Marassi Marina, bringing its polished Italian classics and signature Mayfair flair. Pier88 Almaza Bay Pier88 doesn't change. It just relocates. Same energy, same menu, same DJ slowly transitioning from jazz to house while you're halfway through your burrata. Lucida Coast Hacienda Red At this point, Lucida is a Sahel classic, reliable, chill, and always a good idea. Whether you're going for the seafood, the music, or just to catch your breath somewhere that actually makes sense, Lucida's got you. Andiamo Marsa Baghoush Road trip-worthy. Andiamo brings drinks, Italian plates, and an air of 'how did we end up here but love it?' to Marsa Baghoush. Surprisingly great pizza, even better energy. Kiki's Hacienda White You already know what this is: the scene, the vibe, the giant salads and seared tuna that you only pretend to share. It's loud, beautiful, and still somehow the place everyone wants to be. Baia Telal There's something about Baia that makes 'just dinner' feel like the prequel to something you can't fully explain. The food's great, the energy's high, and if you don't post a blurry photo of the table mid-dance… did you even go? Beef Bar Almaza Bay This one's for the steak obsessives, the people who talk about cuts like they're birth signs. Fresh to Almaza Bay, Beefbar brings the kind of precision, technique, and melt-in-your-mouth moments that make meat feel like a love language. FAMILY DINING Eatery Diplo 3, Seashell Walk, Marassi Marina & Solare Ras El Hikma From molokhia to sushi to seafood pasta, Eatery is the Switzerland of Sahel dining. No matter who you bring, there's something they'll say yes to, and no one's feelings will get hurt. It's the ultimate group compromise, minus the compromise. Le Flandrin Marassi Polished, calm, and quietly reliable. The food quality is high, the crowd is low-maintenance, and it's where you take the family when you all agree on 'somewhere nice' but don't want to fight about what kind of 'nice.' Carlo's Marassi Marina & North Square Alamein A family staple in every sense. The menu is broad, the portions are generous, and there's always someone you know at the next table. Villa Caracas Marassi Lebanese food with a view and enough mezze to keep the whole table happy. Bonus: it's lowkey enough to feel relaxed but waterfront enough to feel special. Ovio Marassi Ovio has mastered the rare art of getting every family member to nod at the same time. From their bakery corner to their comfort mains, it's an 'everyone wins' kind of meal. Granita Diplo If you already love the Zamalek or Arkan branches, this one's for you. Same menu, same vibe, same iced hibiscus with a pastry at 6 PM crowd. For people who don't believe in seasonal personality changes. Gigi's Ghazala Bay Just opened last year and already feels like it's been around forever. Gigi's is the kind of classic that lets you order pasta, a salad, and a giant pizza to share—and somehow everyone ends up satisfied. Ayadina Marassi Marina For the families that like their food flavorful but their ambiance lowkey. Lebanese food without the performance—just good fattoush and freshly baked markouk bread with zero stress. Favilla Hacienda Red Quiet, tucked away, and great for when the group chat goes radio silent and you're the one making the call. Comfort dishes and enough space to actually hear each other. Gaby's Lakeyard Hacienda Bay & Telal With locations in both Hacienda and Telal, Gaby's is your go-to for casual, crowd-pleasing plates. It's reliable, relaxed, and always has something for the one friend who only eats pasta. L'Asiatique Marassi Marina Pan-Asian for the family that considers soy sauce a love language. Sushi, noodles, curries—it's a flavorful break from the grilled-everything cycle. Piccolo Mondo Marassi Marina Italian classics in Marassi Marina that won't cause a family feud. Think pastas, pizzas, and that one seafood risotto that always disappears first. Izmir Saray Seashell Turkish food in Seashell? Sign us up. but Great for shared plates and anyone who's craving kebab over calamari. Blaze Marassi Marina Easygoing and versatile, Blaze is the kind of place where lunch can turn into dinner without anyone noticing. Burgers, sandwiches, pastas—it's all here, and no one will complain. Umami Lavista Cascada & Lavista Bay East Lavista's own family-friendly spot for when you're craving variety but don't want to overthink it. BEACH BITES BRGR Branches all over Sahel The OG burger truck that's somehow at every compound and every memory you have of Sahel. Whether it's 2 PM or 2 AM, BRGR is always there when you need it most. Howlin Birds Diplo Diplo's go-to for fried chicken that actually bites back. Spicy, crunchy, and messy enough to ruin your white beach outfit in the best way possible. Dina Farms Diplo, Mountain View Ras El-Hikma, Dunes Mall & Marina 5 Sweet, savory, stuffed, or plain—they've somehow made every version of Egyptian feteer available in one place. It's giving roadside stop, but the kind that feeds your entire group and your childhood. JJ's Marassi & Seashell For when you want fast food that doesn't feel like fast food. JJ's hits the sweet spot between loaded, crispy, and 'should we order one more?' Pickl Seashell & Alamein A Dubai favorite that now lives in Seashell and Alamein—and let's be real, it knows it's hot. Smashburgers, nuggets, and fries so good they should come with a warning label. Sandwich Room Almaza One of Almaza's best-kept secrets. Cold sandwiches, hot sandwiches, carb-on-carb action—it's all built to be eaten standing, dripping, and completely satisfied. Between the Buns Lakehouse The Club & Marassi Beach Clubhouse It's the kind of burger you think about two days later. Juicy, unpretentious, and exactly what you want after swimming too far or socializing too much. Maine Telal & Northed & Ceasar Lobster rolls on the beach = elite behavior. Maine serves up seafood shack energy with coastal realness—no frills, just flavor (and fries, obviously). Caizo North & Mountain View Egyptian soul, beach setting. Shawerma, hawawshi, and all the hits your teta would low-key approve of—just with better packaging and a lot more garlic sauce. Big Daddy La Vista Bay, North Square Alamein & Seashell The portions are huge, the fries are curly, and the energy is pure chaos. Big Daddy doesn't do subtle—and that's why we love them (and their surf and turf fries). Holy Buns Diplo & Hacienda White Their smashburger is exactly what you crave post-beach: juicy, melty, slightly sinful. Call it a guilty pleasure, but you'll still post it. Na2na2a La Vista Ras El Hekma & Cascada The name says Egypt, the food says soul. Who said kebda and sogo2 can't be enjoyed on the beach? Secret Society Northed You either know about it or you don't—and that's exactly the point. Burger, fries, and mystery sauces you'll keep thinking about long after sunset. COFFEE, MATCHA & THE WORKS Seven Fortunes Branches all over Sahel At this point, they're on every corner in Sahel—like a well-placed lifeguard, but for caffeine emergencies. Always good, always there, no overthinking required. Brown Nose Marina Marassi Yes, it's in the middle of Marassi chaos, and yes, the QR code drama is real—but it's absolutely worth it. That cup hits like a reward for surviving five roundabouts. Saints BRGR, Locations all over Sahel Found inside every BRGR and now kind of stealing the spotlight. If you're ordering a Spanish latte with your burger, this is the reason you keep coming back. 30 North Alamein, Diplo & Lasirena At this point, 30 North is a caffeine infrastructure. Whether you're iced, shaken, blended, or very specific about beans, this one's always around when you need a fix. Koffee Kulture Branches all over Sahel The one with the sealed cans and cult following. You've either been seen holding one, or posted it like it was part of your personality. Still hits. Cult Hacienda White & Almaza Yes, it's officially a coffee place—but the refreshers are the real main character here. They come with edible flowers, taste like summer in a cup, and somehow make you feel cooler just by holding one. Frio Amwaj Ismailia's finest in Amwaj, and yes, they brought the coffee. Think cozy booth, frappe realness, and the kind of coffee that feels a bit like a reward. Arabica Marassi Took Cairo by storm, now casually taking over Sahel one perfect latte at a time. Marassi's location is sleek, efficient, and always gives you that 'I know what I'm doing' energy—even if you don't. Social Specialty Coffee Mountain View True to the name—actual specialty coffee, not just vibes and syrups. A low-key gem in Mountain View for people who care about beans, brews, and not being handed lukewarm milk. Dancing Goat Marassi, Telal & Fouka Bay This one will have you dancing—literally. Cold brew, lattes, matcha, and a name that already deserves a loyalty card. If you spot it in Marassi, Telal, or Fouka, follow the goat. 1980 Seashell & Marassi Yes, they do sandwiches and pizza. But their coffee truck game? Also on point. A one-stop shop when you're craving caffeine and carbs. BAKERIES & DESSERTS Dara's Seashell, Marassi & Almaza Still the North Coast's reigning queen of ice cream and cookies. If you're not walking out with a cone and a second cookie 'for later,' you're doing it wrong. Copa Açai Hacienda White, Marassi & Northed Technically healthy, emotionally dessert. Their bowls are stacked, freezing cold, and decorated like someone's Pinterest board come to life. Ratios by the Beach Almaza Maadi loyalists already know this is the best sourdough you'll get in Sahel. Whether it's the pastries, the seeded loaves, or the dangerously good PB toast—this is peak carb chic. Moko Almaza Bay & Diplo Specialty chocolate with main character energy. Whether it's truffles, bonbons, or tiny slabs of cocoa magic, Moko's the place you go when your sweet tooth wants something a little... elevated. Voila Marina Marassi This is your family ezooma hero. Think full gateaux, cream-filled everything, and just enough sugar to keep your relatives civil for one full evening. Molly's El Abd Sidi Heneish The kind of bakery that makes you say 'we'll just pass by' and walk out with a full box. Flaky croissants, buttery Danish, and old-school baked goods that are fully worth the drive to Sidi Heneish. Cake Cafe Marassi Marina & Hacienda Red It's in the name for a reason. The carrot cake has a fanbase, the brownies have no business being that good, and it's the kind of place you end up in twice a day. Tortina Branches all over Sahel No matter the branch, the vibes are always the same: shiny, sweet, and lowkey dangerous. Chocolate everything, mini tarts, and boxes you pretend you're 'bringing for the house' but end up eating entirely on your own. Crepe 2000 Marina 5 A Marina classic. This is where Nutella met bananas and never looked back—best enjoyed at 1 AM, slightly sunburnt, and very happy. Soufflé Hacienda White A true OG that's been fueling sweet tooths and sugar highs since before 'soft launch' was a phrase. Molten, chocolatey, and always a little dramatic.
See - Sada Elbalad
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Rakeen Saad Replaces Yasmin Raeis in TV Series "Qtl Ikhtiyari"
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CairoScene
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- CairoScene
A Week In The Life of Egyptian Fashion Designer Aleiy Al Zayan
Some days he's the divo. Some days the director. Most days, he's both, in head-to-toe linen and four tabs deep into a new idea. Aleiy Al Zayan designs like someone who knows the difference between drama and noise. A scenography graduate, he cut his teeth building sets that knew how to hold a story — and he's been dressing characters, real or imagined, ever since. As head designer at Egyptian brand BE-INDIE, Aleiy has helped shape it into something Cairo didn't know it needed: fashion that thinks, broods a little, and occasionally flirts. His background is as layered as his silhouettes. One week he's styling a music video, the next he's coaxing a staircase into just the right state of disarray for a shoot. At BE-INDIE, he's collaborated with studios like Form and Rizo, consulted on editorials, and dressed talents like Naïka for the Unzipped Festival. Independently, he's modelled for photographers, worked with UK artist Cktrl, taken on styling projects with local brands like Almah — and a few hush-hush names best left to the group chat. All of it delivered with precision and never posturing of course. Aleiy's work isn't trying to escape Cairo; it's in conversation with it — its heat, its noise, its brilliance. Some days he's the divo. Some days the director. Most days, he's both, in head-to-toe linen and four tabs deep into a new idea. This week on Scene Styled Selects, we handed the mic to Aleiy Al Zayan — designer, set whisperer, occasional stylist, and full-time Cairo divo — for a glimpse into what a week of fashion, fabric, and perfectly-timed exits actually look like. A Typical Monday at the Office 'I love a serious look - clean and precise. But I'm just as serious about colour. I added a cheeky little ring as a reminder: just because you're in a smart fit doesn't mean you have to take yourself too seriously. You're a colour clown, remember.' The Row | Soft Loafer in Black Leather Bottega Veneta | Andiamo Intrecciato leather clutch Gentle Monster x Maison Margiela - MM212 T6(GR) Marine Serre | Off-White & Navy Regenerated Striped Poplin Button Up Shirt Collina Strada | Grape Stripe Alien RIng Just Another Casual Tuesday 'The 3D-printed shoes from Body Amplification Devices are the star of this look - and my latest obsession. I actually own this pair and I can't take them off.' BAD Square Toe Mules | Body Amplification Devices Acne Studios | Camera Camera Shoulder Bag in Black Fyr Jewelry 'I like a party look to be straight to the point - just a top and jeans - but with the perfect fit and heavy on the accessories: stacked rings, necklaces, ear cuffs. I love FYR's selection; everything blends in seamlessly.' Sharp Love Choker Tribute Ring Reign Ring Mother Necklace Blaze Earcuff Pulse Earring Acne Studios | Logo Tank Top in Optic White Be Indie | Barrel Jeans in Indie Blue Ottolinger | Twisted Sunglasses in Black Jaded London | XL Stud Belt A Summer Weekend Wedding 'I love a summer linen shirt moment with a suit. Adding a touch of heritage through the cufflinks satisfies my obsession with colour and pattern - especially when paired with this scarf.' Saint Laurent | Yves Jacket in Wool Chiné Saint Laurent | High Waisted Pants in Wool Chiné Hermés | Grand Apparat Silk Twilly Thom Sweeney | Linen Shirt Azza Fahmy | Protection Cufflinks Prada | Brushed Leather Oxford Shoes Beach-yyy 'I don't want to overthink a beach look - whether it's a party at Kiki's or just sipping watermelon juice with the besties. Easy silhouettes, fun colours, slides, and I'm out the door. In summer, I like the statement piece to be either my shades or my bag.' Sacai | Raffia New Shopper Bag Small / Multi Bode | Floral Pinwheel Shorts Nude Project | Romantica Shirt in Green Antonia | Green Mask S6 Sunglasses Bode | Duotone Summer Slides Brown/ Blue
