Cinematic Cairo: Egyptian Urban Modernity from Reel to Real

Cinematic Cairo: Egyptian Urban Modernity from Reel to Real explores the history of Cairo's urban modernity through cinema, using film as an analytical tool and a medium of critique. The book brings together chapters by architects, art and literary historians, and explores the development of a modern Cairo and its modern subjects through films from the 1930s to the end of the twentieth century. The second section focuses on tracing the transformation of the cinematic city under conditions of neoliberalism, religious fundamentalism, and gender tensions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 324 pages
Publication date: 07 October 2022
Publisher: American University in Cairo Press

Cinema has a unique ability to capture the essence of cities, providing a glimpse into the lives of people living in urban environments. In the case of Cairo, Egypt, cinema has played a significant role in shaping the city's urban modernity. This essay will explore the history of Cairo's urban modernity through the lens of cinema, highlighting the ways in which films have contributed to the development of the city's identity and culture.

Cairo has a rich history of film production, dating back to the early 1900s. The city's early films were primarily documentaries and newsreels, documenting the daily life of the city's residents. However, as the film industry grew, so did the city's identity. Films began to reflect the city's culture, politics, and social issues, creating a unique cinematic language that reflected the city's diversity and complexity.

One of the most significant films to shape Cairo's urban modernity was "The Square" (1973), directed by Youssef Chahine. The film follows the lives of four characters living in a poor neighborhood in Cairo, exploring the social and political tensions that were prevalent in the city at the time. The film's stark realism and powerful performances helped to bring the city's problems to the attention of the international community, and contributed to the growing movement for social reform in Egypt.

Another important film to shape Cairo's urban modernity was "El-Shaab" (1980), directed by Kamal Attia. The film follows the lives of two brothers who are caught up in the political and social uphe. The film's exploration of the complexities of Egyptian society and its treatment of women helped to break down the traditional gender roles that were prevalent in the city at the time.

In recent years, Cairo has continued to be a major hub for film production, with a thriving film industry that reflects the city's diverse culture and social issues. Films such as "Toni Erdmann" (2016), directed by Maren Ade, and "Theeb" (2014), directed by Jehane Noujaim, have helped to bring the city's urban modernity to the attention of the international community, and have contributed to the growing interest in Egyptian cinema.

Cairo's urban modernity is not just reflected in its films, but also in its architecture and design. The city's buildings are a mix of modernist and traditional styles, with a focus on functionality and efficiency. The city's streets are also designed to be pedestrian-friendly, with a network of walkways.

In conclusion, cinema has played a significant role in shaping the urban modernity of Cairo, Egypt. The city's films have contributed to the development of the city's identity and culture, reflecting its diversity and complexity. From the early documentaries and newsreels of the 1900s to the powerful performances of "The Square" and "El-Shaab" to the contemporary films of "Toni Erdmann" and "Theeb," Cairo's films have helped to bring the city's problems to the attention of the international community and have contributed to the growing interest in Egyptian cinema. The city's architecture and design also reflect its urban modernity, with a mix of modernist and traditional styles and a focus on functionality and efficiency.

ISBN-13: 9781649031334