2 days ago
Bab El Hadid Becomes the First Egyptian Film in The Criterion Collection, A Historic Milestone for Egyptian Cinema
The Criterion Collection has officially selected Bab El Hadid as the first Egyptian film to enter its prestigious global archive. But this isn't just a restored edition—it's a cinematic rebirth.
The film is presented in a meticulously remastered 4K version, complete with a brand-new poster designed by artist Mariam El Reweny and original uncompressed audio, giving the classic a stunning new life more than 60 years after its debut.
But that's not all. The release also includes the rare documentary Cairo as Seen by Chahine, along with a new docuseries titled Chahine… Why?—offering a deep dive into the mind and vision of legendary director Youssef Chahine.
Criterion is one of the world's most respected film institutions, dedicated to restoring and curating landmark films from around the globe. It's a trusted resource for filmmakers, scholars, and cinephiles alike.
Including an Egyptian film in this archive marks a moment of global recognition—an acknowledgment of the film's artistic and historical value on the world stage.
