Egyptian cinema is again making waves as Flight 404 secures a coveted Oscar submission, bringing the nation's rich storytelling tradition to the global stage. Directed by visionary filmmaker Hani Khalifa, Flight 404 has captured international attention with its gripping narrative and stellar performances. As Egypt celebrates this moment, let's look back at the Egyptian films submitted over the past decade for the best foreign film, showcasing the country's growing presence in cinema.
2024 - Flight 404 (Directed by Hani Khalifa)
Just days before her journey to Mecca for Hajj, Ghada encounters a predicament that requires a significant amount of money to solve. She is forced to confront her troubled past while striving to prevent it from overtaking her life.
2023 - VOY! VOY! VOY! (Directed by Omar Hilal)
Determined to fulfil his dream of travelling to Europe, a poor Egyptian security guard pretends to be blind and joins a team of visually impaired football players heading to Poland. The film is based on a true story.
2021 - Souad (Directed by Ayten Amin)
After Souad's suicide, her younger sister sets out on a quest for answers. The film aims to deliver an ultra-realistic portrayal, exposing the flaws in harsh social dynamics that contributed to the young girl's tragic decision to take her own life.
2020 - When We're Born (Directed by Tamer Ezzat)
The musical drama film portrays the story of three different characters: the first is trying to pursue his artistic career in singing, the second is a dreamy Christian woman who falls in love with a young Muslim man, and the third works in the field of sports training.
2019 - Poisonous Roses (Directed by Ahmed Fawzy Saleh)
Taheya, a young woman working as a toilet attendant, has only one brother, Saqr, who is her entire support system and embodies all of her dreams. However, his growing distance and plans to illegally immigrate to Italy leave her feeling abandoned, lost, and without hope of fulfilling her aspirations.
2018 - Judgement Day (Directed by Abu Bakr Shawky)
A Coptic man with leprosy and his orphaned apprentice venture beyond the leper colony for the first time, setting off on a journey across Egypt in search of their remaining family members.
2017 - Sheikh Jackson (Directed by Amr Salama)
Khaled Hani, a Muslim cleric, goes through an existential crisis following the death of his childhood idol, Michael Jackson, causing him to drift away from his faith.
2016 - Clash (Directed by Mohamed Diab)
The film's events unfold after June 30, 2013, within a police transport vehicle packed with protesters, both supporters and opponents of the Muslim Brotherhood, following the ousting of President Mohamed Morsi. It captures moments of chaos, violence, romance, and comedy, reflecting a significant portion of what was happening in Egypt.
2014 - Factory Girl (Directed by Mohamed Khan)
Hiyam, a twenty-year-old woman working alongside other girls in a clothing factory in a lower-class neighbourhood, embarks on a love affair that transforms her life, only to find herself isolated in the face of a conservative society.
