The Egyptian film Rafaat Einy Ll Sama, literally I raised my Eyes to Heaven but running under the official English title The Brink of Dreams, by Nada Riyadh and Ayman El Amir is participating in the official competition of the Critics’ Week at the 63rd Cannes International Film Festival 2024, which will take place from May 15th to the 23rd.
It is the only Egyptian film officially selected to compete this year, alongside six international films from the United States, Brazil, France, Argentina, Belgium, and Taiwan. It is also the first ever Egyptian documentary to be selected for the competition.
The film was entirely shot in the village of Deir al-Barsha in Minya, some 250km south of Cairo, with all of its crew from among the villagers. It revolves around a group of girls from the village who decide to rebel against their oppressive conditions by forming an all-female street theatre group. They dream of becoming actresses, dancers and singers, challenging their families and the villagers traditional view of women’s modesty. Theit plays address real-life issues such as early marriage, domestic violence, and girls’ education.
Spanning a four-year production period, the film captures the lives of its protagonists, offering a poignant portrayal of Upper Egyptian traditions. It is a true depiction of life in Upper Egypt, showcasing authentic Egyptian characters and live shooting locations rarely shown in films.
Starring the Panorama Barsha Theatre ensemble, featuring Magda Masoud, Haidy Sameh, Monica Youssef, Marina Samir, Mariam Nassar, Lydia Haroun, and Yustina Samir, the film is produced by Flukka Films. Choreography and movement design are crafted by Nermin Habib.
The 63rd edition of La Semaine de la Critique, the sidebar dedicated to first and second films organised by the French Union of Film Critics, will be held in Cannes, from May 15 to 23, 2024, running alongside the Cannes Film Festival.
It will open with Jonathan Millet’s psychological thriller “Ghost Trail” and wrap with Emma Benestan’s genre film “Animale.”
Watani International
9 May 2024