Journalist's Hands-On Experiences | Another Egypt

By Darius

After the Li Ka Shing School of Professional and Continuing Education of HKMU launched the "International Lifelong Learning Festival," I attended a special event presenting the unique Egyptian culture with a film.

Before the opening, a beautiful and slightly melancholic piece of music captured my heart. Later, I learned that it was the film's score. The audience included media, teachers, and students from the University, creating a truly lively atmosphere.

The film is titled Cairo Time. It opened with rapid dialogue, and the fast-paced Arabic sometimes made me feel as if I had pressed the fast-forward button. The plot is divided into three interwoven storylines that unfold simultaneously, forming a narrative flashback. At first, I was somewhat confused by the constantly alternating scenes, but as the plot gradually developed, I saw a real Egypt.

These stories center around love while also incorporating elements of religion, gender, and social progress. The differences in views on marriage between the younger and older generations are striking, reminding me of the social changes and shifts in interpersonal relationships in my own country. Whether it's views on marriage, attitudes towards intimate relationships, or lifestyles, countless changes are taking place.

This, in my opinion, might be a common issue faced by all developing countries.

One storyline reflects differences in beliefs and inherent concepts, while another highlights the relatively disadvantaged position of modern Egyptian women in society. Beyond these, one storyline resonated deeply with me: it tells the story of an elderly man with Alzheimer's who travels to Cairo to find an important woman from his vague memories, ultimately succeeding after a series of obstacles.

My grandfather was also an Alzheimer's patient, and in the last years of his life, he could no longer remember things, yet he never forgot me, asking about me every so often. In the film, the elderly man pretends to forget his daughter to prevent her from becoming too involved in his own journey; however, the moment his daughter drives away, a tear rolls down his cheek—a scene I can never forget.

Mr. Baher Sheweikhi, Consul General of Egypt in Hong Kong, noted that this film can help people learn more about Egypt. Reflecting on the entire film, the complex image of modern Egypt gradually reveals itself: a country where diverse religious beliefs coexist with modern cities and traditional societies, and where various old and new ideas collide and merge.

The grand and mysterious image of ancient Egypt is deeply ingrained in people's minds, yet we often forget that modern Egypt is still waiting for people to understand it.

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