Image of East of Noon via Zawya Cinema
As Cairo's summer heat intensifies, there's no better sanctuary than the cool comfort of Zawya Cinema, where this week's eclectic lineup offers stories that span continents, cultures, and emotional depths. From experimental Tunisian mysteries to heart-wrenching refugee stories, Zawya offers a thoughtful blend of global cinema that resonates with the current moment. Here’s a glimpse into this week’s selection at Zawya, and you can view showing times from here or book through this website.
To a Land Unknown - Mahdi Fleifel
An emotionally charged drama that follows two Palestinian refugees navigating the underbelly of Athens. Chatila and Reda are saving for fake passports to escape, but when addiction derails their plans, desperation forces them into a dangerous scheme of posing as smugglers. Featuring dialogue in Arabic, English, and Greek, and co-written by Fleifel, Fyzal Boulifa, and Jason McColgan, the film weaves tension and empathy across multiple borders.
Mother Valley - Carlos Chahine
Layla, a devoted wife and mother, has her worldview disrupted after a chance meeting with a Frenchman. This historical drama explores the suffocating impact of patriarchy on women's lives, set against the lush but isolating backdrop of a traditional Christian community. The film's multilingual narrative blends Arabic and French, reflecting the intersection of cultures and identities.
Abo Zaabal 89 - Bassam Mortada
A haunting documentary that reconstructs the experience of arrest and torture of Bassam Mortada’s father. Through archival material and reflective narration, Mortada confronts the trauma that reshaped his family, making this Egyptian-German co-production a powerful act of cinematic remembrance.
Memento - Christopher Nolan
A modern classic Starring Guy Pearce, this mind-bending thriller unravels backwards through the fractured memory of Leonard Shelby, a man determined to avenge his wife's murder despite his short-term memory loss. Written by Nolan and his brother Jonathan, the film is a cerebral journey into the nature of truth, time, and identity.
The Burdened - Amr Gamal
It tells the raw, moving story of a family on the brink of disaster. As a married couple faces job losses amid economic collapse, the unexpected news of a fourth child tests their resilience. With performances grounded in reality and emotion, this Saudi-Yemeni-Sudanese drama captures the quiet strength of ordinary people pushed to the edge.
F1: The Movie - Joseph Kosinski
Starring Brad Pitt, this Hollywood action-drama sees retired racing legend Sonny Hayes return to the track to mentor a rising star. With adrenaline-pumping visuals and a heartfelt narrative of mentorship and redemption, it's a thrilling contrast to the week's heavier fare.
East of Noon - Hala Elkoussy
Through the tale of Abdo, a defiant musician clashing with an older generation, the film becomes a fable about creativity, control, and rebellion in autocratic systems. Its blend of drama and comedy, alongside a vibrant local cast, makes it a standout among regional films this week.
