Hello readers!

Have you ever travelled to Cairo?

I did a few years back and I cannot describe how beautiful my experience was.

The streets were alive with chatter, the scent of fresh koshari filled the air, and people were very welcoming and warm.

I talked to a few locals and we had a good discussion over their culture, Bollywood and their native cinema. I asked them why Egypt is called ‘The Hollywood of the Arab World’? They smiled and told me about the beautiful history of their cinema.

You also must be thinking how Egypt earned the title "Hollywood of the Arab World"? too… Let’s dig it :)

The Stars Who Lit Up the Screen

Omar Sharif: You might know him from Doctor Zhivago and Lawrence of Arabia. But before Hollywood, Omar Sharif was already a heartthrob back home, starring in Egyptian classics like The River of Love.

Faten Hamama: Widely regarded as the "Lady of the Arabic Screen," Faten starred in over 90 films and shaped the golden age of Egyptian cinema.

Adel Imam: Think of him as Egypt’s king of comedy. From satirical roles to heartfelt performances, his films, like Terrorism and Kebab, have become cult classics.

Blockbusters Before Blockbusters Were Cool

During Egypt's Golden Age (1940s to 1960s), its studios churned out more than 100 films annually - more than any other Arab country.

Movies like The Nightingale’s Prayer (1959) tackled social issues and won international acclaim. More recently, The Blue Elephant (2014) and its sequel raked in millions at the box office, signaling Egypt’s modern cinematic resurgence.

The Blue Elephant 2 made over 100 million Egyptian pounds (around $6.4 million), becoming one of Egypt's highest-grossing films.

Cultural Influence Beyond Borders

Egyptian films didn’t just dominate local screens—they shaped culture across the entire MENA region. From iconic dialogues to unforgettable songs, these movies became cultural touchstones for millions.

The Netflix Era

With streaming platforms like Netflix showcasing Egyptian hits like Paranormal, a new generation is discovering the magic of Egypt's film industry. And trust me, it's only the beginning.

Puzzle Corner

Can you guess these Egyptian movie milestones?

1. Which Egyptian film was the first to be nominated for an Academy Award?

2. What year did The Blue Elephant 2 become Egypt’s highest-grossing movie?

3. Who directed the international hit Cairo Station?

Until next time - keep watching, keep exploring.

Cheers,
Vipul from Leeds1888

Answers:

1. The Yacoubian Building

2. 2019

3. Youssef Chahine