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CairoScene
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Alexandria in Frame: 7 Nostalgic Films From the Coastal City
From 'Habiby Da'iman' to 'Back to Alexandria', these movies confront the changing landscapes of Alexandria through tales of homecoming and departure. 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.
Al-Ahram Weekly
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Back to Alexandria to open Toronto Arab Film Festival 2025 - Screens - Arts & Culture
Back to Alexandria (2023), starring Nadine Labaki, will open the sixth edition of the Toronto Arab Film Festival from 20 to 29 June. Directed by Tamer Ruggli, Back to Alexandria (Retour en Alexandrie) follows Sue (Labaki), who returns to her native Egypt from Switzerland, only to confront her painful past—and the woman she left behind. The film is a France–Switzerland–Egypt co-production co-written by Marianne Brun, Yousry Nasrallah, and Ruggli. It also stars Fanny Ardant, Hany Adel, Karima Mansour, Menha Batraoui, and Hazem Ehab. Released in 2023, the 90-minute film earned several nominations, including the Golden Eye Award at the Zurich Film Festival and the Tiantan Awards at the Beijing International Film Festival. Back to Alexandria is among several Egyptian titles featured in this year's Toronto Arab Film Festival lineup. Other Egyptian films screening at the festival include: Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo (2024) by Khaled Mansour Apoleon (2024) by Amir Youssef by Amir Youssef Dawn Every Day (2024) by Amir Youssef Mango (2024) by Randa Ali Are You a Rabbit? (2024) by Hatem Emam A City Without Love (2024) by Mostafa Gerbeii Catsaros (2025) by Muhammad El-Hadidi The 2025 edition will showcase over 50 films from across the Arab world, spanning genres from drama and documentary to sci-fi and experimental works. The Toronto Arab Film Festival—the first of its kind in Canada's largest city—aims to present and promote pan-Arab cinema by Arab filmmakers from around the globe. According to the festival's organizers, its goal is to 'encourage interconnectedness between Arab filmmakers in Toronto and foster emerging talent,' primarily through its Shabaka initiative, which hosts networking events and filmmaking workshops throughout the year. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
