Traces of Change in Egypt

A moderated program of short-films, trailers and video-letters by independent film-makers from Egypt

Friday, February 18th 2011, 4-6pm at Arsenal 2 (Filmhaus, Potsdamer Platz)

The current uprisings in North Africa took many by surprise. Since weeks the upheaval in Egypt dominates the news, the urgency and tremendous energy expressed by millions of Egyptians on a daily basis finds little echo in Europe though. Until a few weeks ago Tunisia and Egypt were seen as stable countries from a Western point of view. Their dictators were reliable partners to European and USA governments and their landscapes are invitingly beautiful tourist destinations.

Yet for decades the population was suffocating under the authoritarian regimes and a kind deadlock could be felt within large parts of society. Over the past four to five years however, an independent film-scene emerged in Egypt. With the help of digital technology more and more film-makers try to express themselves outside the highly commercial state-run film-industry and against the ever increasing repression of the regime.

In this ad hoc program, made possible with the support of Berlinale’s Forum section, we show some short films as well as trailers of full length independent Egyptian films. They introduce the range of political and esthetic approaches to film-making within this scene. Additionally video-letters made for the Berlinale audience are presented.
All film-makers participating in the program define themselves as part of the Democracy Movement.

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