An oft-told story in Egypt's science community tells the tale of why Magdi Yacoub left Egypt to become a world famous surgeon in the United Kingdom. An Egyptian Christian, he had his thesis rejected by his Muslim supervisor, allegedly because of (...)
T here's something about Amal Kenawy. Intriguing, warm but with a hint of coolness, open yet reserved, Amal Kenawy is like her living room which inspires wonder the moment one enters. It's a clearly unique space, with her multi-faceted personality (...)
Modern art reveals a society to itself, laying bare the bones of fleshy discourse. Art never simply is— it asks of us questions we have to search within to answer. Since its inception in 1984, the Cairo Biennale has sought to explore contemporary (...)
Film aficionados are gearing up to indulge their love for the big screen with this year's Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) selection, from Nov. 30 to Dec. 9.
The opening film at the Cairo Opera House on November 30 was "Another Year" by (...)
Alexandria, the Pearl of the Mediterranean, outclasses Cairo, Mother of the World, with its genteel poise. Although it's claimed Alexandria is more cosmopolitan than Cairo, this coastal city presents itself as a grand old lady, kept young by the (...)
The people of Gaza have been dehumanized. This was the overarching message at the Cairo launch of Swedish journalist Mia Grondahl's book “Gaza Graffiti: Messages of Love and Politics.” Organized by the Embassy of Sweden in Cairo and the American (...)
Other things may change us, but we start and end with family.” Anthony Brandt
Two films at the recently concluded Durban International Film Festival epitomized this statement by Brandt.
“Mammoth” and “Life, Above All” were poignant reminders (...)
Following the first screening of “Four Lions” at the Durban International Film Festival a fortnight ago, I found myself in the company of Riz Ahmed, who plays the lead character, Omar.
“Four Lions” is the latest comedic genius of Chris Morris who (...)
The Durban International Film Festival's line-up offered three highly entertaining and comedic movies, two of which — “The Infidel” and “Four Lions” — were highly rated. The third, “Attack of the Indian Werewolf” by first time filmmaker Masood (...)
As the 31st Durban International Film Festival wrapped up its 10-day run on Saturday, the organizers and festival-goers shared the same sentiments: This year's edition was the most successful in the festival's history.
The festival programmers (...)
The 31st Durban International Film Festival (July 22-August 1) is currently tantalizing South African art filmgoers.
Offering a rich package of 75 feature films, including the world premieres of nine South African films; DIFF 2010 also presents (...)
DURBAN: Feel it. It is here. Ke Nako! This was the South African Broadcasting Corporation's slogan for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Chanted en masse, it defined the hopes of a nation. As the sun rose over South Africa on Monday July 12, it signified the (...)
“I am conscious of the ball, but I am also conscious that I am not the ball. I desire to possess the ball. My project is to become a for-itself-in-itself a synthesis of self and non-self, in other words, God.” – Jean Paul Sartre, Being and (...)
Egypt has always been in a unique socio-political, geographic position. Situated at the very north of the African continent, and bordering the Middle East; it is regarded as both an African nation as well as a Middle Eastern one.
Egyptians are (...)
He is America's first Muslim country-western musician, and he has Egyptian roots. With his thick Southern drawl, he speaks Arabic with a novel twang. The Egyptian audience at Kareem Salama's debut concert in the Middle East found this amusing, but (...)
It s still a man s world. These words may appear incongruous in modern society, but there is truth in them. A report released by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development on International Women s Day reveals that men continue to earn (...)
CAIRO: "Do you know what it feels like to represent a billion human beings every day when you step out of your house? To be looked at as a representative of an entire world religion. Do you know what that s like? It feels exhausting, and so (...)
Who will write our stories when we are gone? Will we be chronicled in history books, or will we be forgotten footnotes? Swiss artist Uriel Orlow is drawn to the stories that aren't told; the discarded footnotes of a time past, which are the remnants (...)