The rise of cinema in Egypt in the 1910s and 1920s introduced a new chapter in national art, with silent films redefining how stories were told on screen. Silent films are movies produced without synchronized recorded dialogue, relying instead on expressive acting, intertitles, and live or recorded music to convey emotion and narrative. In Egypt, early silent films such as Laila (1927) and Zaynab (1930) played a foundational role in shaping the country’s cinema, using visual storytelling to explore themes of love, social class, and moral conflict according to Ahram Online. Laila marked the beginning of Egyptian national cinema, while Zaynab brought realistic depictions of rural life and emotional depth to the screen. “Laila,” directed by Wedad Orfi and Stephan Rosti, is frequently recognized as the first full-length Egyptian feature film that showcased significant local involvement, both in front of and behind the camera. It premiered on 16 November, 1927, at the Metropole Cinema in Cairo, where it received a warm reception from audiences. “Laila: was produced by Aziza Amir, who established herself as a trailblazing actress and filmmaker in Egypt and was often referred to as the “founder of…
Uncovering the Dawn of Egyptian Silent Cinema: A Closer Look at ‘Laila’ and ‘Zaynab’
October 15, 2025
By Belal Nawar
Senior Journalist
