Programme 16
Youssef Chahine (1926–2008), the acclaimed Egyptian film director, is one of the few Arab filmmakers to gain international recognition. In his more than 40 films, including dramas, comedies and musicals, he addressed issues of power, social oppression, corporate and political corruption, nationalism and religious fundamentalism.
To commemorate the tenth anniversary of Chahine's death, three of his restored films, each from a different decade, will be screened in collaboration with The Africa Institute at Africa Hall. Programmed by Hind Mezaina, these films will be shown in three separate programmes.
The Sixth Day (1986)
Director: Youssef Chahine
Cast: Dalida, Mohsen Mohy El Deen, Youssef Chahine
Egypt
Narrative ǀ 105 min
Arabic with English subtitles
Based on the novel by Andrée Chedid, the film is set during the Egyptian cholera epidemic of 1947. Sadika takes care of her bedridden husband and her cholera-infected son. She develops a relationship with the young street performer Okka, whose life-affirming spirit is a welcome challenge to the atmosphere of death that overwhelms her impoverished Cairo neighbourhood.