Development of Egyptian cinema: from its inception to present day

Cinema is one of the key components of Egypt’s cultural life. People here eagerly attend cinemas or watch films broadcast on television. The country has several channels that screen Egyptian films 24/7.

The emergence of cinema in Egypt

The birth of cinema worldwide is considered to be 28 December 1895. In Egypt, the first foreign films began to be shown as early as 1896. Projection equipment and film reels first “arrived by sea” in the ancient port city of Alexandria. By 1908, there were five cinemas in Cairo, three in Alexandria, and one each in Port Said, Asyut, and Mansoura. Soon, foreign filmmakers whose works were being screened began producing newsreels and documentaries. It was no longer necessary to travel to Egypt to see the pyramids or stroll along the Nile, one only had to buy a cinema ticket.

The Egyptian film studio and the first domestic sound film

In 1925, the first national film studio was opened in Cairo, marking the beginning of systematic film production. In 1932, one of the first Egyptian sound films, "Sons of Aristocrats", was released. This gave rise to a new trend, nearly all films became musical. Songs from these films brought fame to performers and composers across the Arab world. For instance, Mohamed Abdel Wahab became known for his innovative approach, boldly experimenting with blending classical Arab performance with European styles.

The July 1952 revolution in Egypt: changes in the film industry system

The 1952 Revolution led to many structural changes. For example, the country saw the establishment of the National Organisation for the Promotion and Development of Cinema. Additionally, relations between producers, distributors, and cinema owners were regulated at the legislative level.

The 1990s: the everyday person comes to the forefront in Egyptian cinema

The next milestone in the evolution of Egyptian national cinema came in the 1990s. A period of relative external stability gave directors the opportunity to explore the lives of ordinary people in their films. These films were made as if the main character was your neighbour. The plots became especially relatable to viewers. This era was marked by a whole constellation of stars, including actors such as Nour El Sherif, Lebleba, Ahmed Zaki, and Mahmoud Abdel Aziz.