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 has won the L’Œil d’Or award for Best Documentary at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. It had participated in 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, which runs alongside the C
annes Film Festival.
The film is directed by Nada Riyadh and Ayman El Amir, and is the first Egyptian film to win the prestigious award, and was 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 teenage 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 village’s 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.
Watani International
27 May 2024