Why returning to classics may mean success for Egyptian cinema
Egypt, known as the Hollywood of the Middle East, now wonders whether nostalgia will draw in new audiences.
CAIRO — Egypt’s lockdown following the coronavirus outbreak has given a break to filmmakers — one that critics hope will give a new boost to the sector that has largely been copying the trends in the American film industry.
If it weren't for the language, it would be difficult if not downright impossible to distinguish some of the recent Egyptian films from the American films — the plot, the props, the music and even the camera movements are painful copycats produced by the country often referred to as the Hollywood of the Middle East. However, some of the award-winning filmmakers in the last few years have found adopting the themes and styles from Egypt's golden age of cinema pays at the box office and festivals.
