I originally published this article on ABC’s The Drum in May. It has been updated to include recent events.
Since the inception of cinematography, Egyptian filmmakers have embraced the idea of shadows dancing across a white screen to reflect the true face of Egyptian society. The audience is immersed in the silver-screen, allowing them to experience films as if they were part of the story – and in many cases they are because cinema often projects their stories. That is why cinema should play an important role following the January 25th Revolution, where Egyptians started a new chapter in their civilisation. Instead, with the rise of fundamentalism, an Islamist dominated parliament (that was dissolved in June) , and a President who comes from the Muslim Brotherhood, Egyptian cinema faces an uncertain future.
