release date July 06 2024
THE MEMOIRS OF M.A DRAZ captivates audiences at Egypt’s Zawya Cinema
The captivating documentary MEMOIRS OF M.A DRAZ by acclaimed director Maggie Morgan had a rousing premiere at Zawya Cinema last night, almost filling up the theater and receiving an immediate, overwhelmingly positive reaction along with a standing ovation.
The screening was followed by an engaging Q&A session, where the audience expressed their appreciation for the film's captivating narrative and the team's dedication to preserving a significant historical figure, with many attendees highlighting the film's ability to shed light on an aspect of Egypt's past that was previously unknown to them.
There were even calls for a sequel, which is a testament to the power of the film in sharing untold stories from Egypt's rich heritage.
Moreover, esteemed Egyptian film critic Mahmoud Abd El Shakour praised the film after seeing it, describing it as “one of the best films of the year, in terms of idea, structure, and topic.” He also commended the film's “ability to touch both the mind and the soul” and invited others to see it, expressing his hope to see it on television as well.
The documentary will have two additional screenings at Zawya on Friday and Monday at 7 pm.
Recently earning two prestigious awards at the 2024 Aswan International Women Film Festival, the documentary chronicles the extraordinary life of Azharite scholar Mohamed Abdallah Draz. Crafted by Morgan and co-writer Taghreed El-Asfoury, the film delves into Draz's life through a treasure trove of letters, diaries, and photographs discovered by his great-granddaughter, Noha ElKholy.
From his humble beginnings in Mahallat Diyay to his scholarly pursuits in Paris, the film paints a vivid portrait of a man far ahead of his time, advocating for equal opportunities for his daughters and sons long before the rise of feminism in the Middle East.
MEMOIRS OF M.A DRAZ has garnered critical acclaim for its hauntingly beautiful narration by Sedky Sakr and the evocative musical score by Khaled Al Kammar, elevating the documentary to an unforgettable cinematic experience.
With its world premiere at the Aswan International Women Film Festival earning the Rasheeda Abdelsalam Special Jury Award and the Euro-Mediterranean Award, the film has solidified its status as a cinematic masterpiece.
Maggie Morgan — an Egyptian filmmaker, festival programmer, and faculty member at the American University in Cairo — has a distinguished career in directing feature films and shorts. Her previous works have garnered accolades at various international film festivals, cementing her reputation as a visionary storyteller.
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