Cinema Updates

Saturday, November 12, 2011

BARRY LYNDON at the Jesuit Center, 6:30 PM
Directed by Stanley Kubrick.
English with Arabic subtitles

November will be the Stanely Kubrick month at Jesuit Centre, kicking off with "Barry Lyndon." The story of an Irish rogue who wins the heart of a rich widow who assumes her dead husband's position in 18th Century aristocracy.

Screened at the Jesuit Center's "Gameat El Nahdet El Alamea wel Thaqafiya"
15 Mahrani street, behind the Jesuit School, Faggala
close to Shohadaa metro stop

Sunday, November 13, 2011 (2 events)

SPERIAMO CHE SIA FEMMINA at the Italian Institute of Culture, 6:00 PM (rerun at 8:00 PM)
Directed by Mario Monicelli.
Featuring Catherine Deneuve, Giuliano Gemma, Stefania Sandrelli, Bernard Blier, Philippe Noiret.
Italian without subtitles.

Italy / 1986.
Comedy. Runtime: 120 min.

The movie presents us the decline of a Tuscan family who owns a farm which is mainly managed by hard-working women. It is a remarkable film that enriches the poor panorama of the Italian cinema of the 80s. There is a wise mix of dramatic, humorous and grotesque, a beautiful gallery of portraits of women and constant oscillation between lightness and gravity. It is also considerable the way the director Monicelli develops, without ideological bias, the discourse on the absence, the weakness, the selfishness of men.

FI BAYTINA RAGUL (A Man in Our House) at the Netherland-Flemish Institute in Cairo, 6:00 PM
Directed by Henry Barakat
Featuring Omar el-Sherif, Zobeida Sarwat, Roshdi Abaza
1961, Arabic with no subtitles
Duraton: 153 minutes

Taken from the novel with the same name by Ihsan Abdelkaddous, this is one of Barakat’s nationalistic films, telling the story of the events right before the 1952 revolution. The film is about the life of a revolutionary, Ibrahim Hamdy (played by Omar el-Sherif). During a protest, one of his family gets killed and Ibrahim decides to take revenge by assassinating the Prime Minister. He is arrested but manages to escape and hide in the flat of an apolitical friend and his family.

NVIC Address: 1, Mahmoud Azmi Str (www.tinyurl.com/NVICmap), Zamalek, Egypt, 11211

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

LA GRAINE ET LE MULET (THE SECRET OF THE GRAIN) at the Cairo Opera House, Open Air Theater, 7:30 PM
Directed by Abdellatif Kechiche
Featuring Habib Boufares, Hafsia Herzi and Farida Benkhetache.
Tunisia / 2007
Runtime: 151 min
French / Arabic with Arabic subtitles.

At the port of Sète, Mr. Slimani, a tired 60-year-old, drags himself toward a shipyard job that has become more and more difficult to cope with as the years go by.

**
Also mark your calendar for the soon to come 4th Panorama of the European Film running from Wednesday November 23 to Tuesday November 29, 2011. Schedule to be announced soon.

MAURIZIO LAZZARO

Maurizio Lazzaro, Italian guitar and oud virtuoso who loved Cairo passed away on Monday November 7, 2011.

Maurizio Lazzaro was one of a handful of non-Arab oud player acknowledged as a virtuoso by the very masters of the instrument. Born as a jazz guitarist, he has recorded many cds and performed extensively live in concert with some of the best Italian and international musicians, in addition to his teaching activity in Rome.
An interest in the Arab oud brought him to Cairo where he perfected his knowledge of the instrument and came into contact with many Egyptian musicians with whom he developed sincere professional and personal friendships. This led to his frequent visits to Cairo, many live performances, mostly at the Makan and at El Sawi, and to the establishment of the Cairo Jazz Group with the violinist Mohamed Sami, Ahmad Hani on bass, and the Italian percussionist (and friend) Fulvio Maras, with appearances of Wust El Balad's singer Hany Adel as guest.

I like to remember Maurizio on stage all alone with his oud in one of the very first free post revolution festivals in Abdeen Square, in the spring of this year. The square was throbbing with Egyptians from all walks of life coming to celebrate and in the air was a cacophony of  loud voices, children's screams, Cairo's ever present background noise, and music from a nearby stage. Despite it all, Maurizio went on the small stage, sat, and started to play his oud, unafraid of the prospect that the gentle sound might be drowned by the surrounding racket. People started to close in and listen in silence, their bodies creating an isolation barrier, and suddenly an island of peace sprang up in a corner of the square. In extremely difficult and uncertain times for the country, its people, and its cultural life, he was the only non Egyptian performing, and this gives a measure of the man, as much as of the musician.

He loved Cairo and I am sure he will be sorely missed by many there.

If you had the luck to know Maurizio and are a Facebook user you can leave your farewell message on his Facebook page.

Egyptian Music Scene on BBC Radio

BBC Radio 5 hosted yesterday night a 30 minutes special dedicated to Egyptian contemporary music scene. The programme features an interview with Cairo-based journalist Chitra Kalyani (who interviewed me as well few years ago for the Daily News) and her intriguing selection of tunes.
It is an interesting and refreshing piece that will surely contribute to spread Egyptian music popularity and, for  CLEG readers based in Cairo, an opportunity to get inspirations for an exciting evening out as all these artists perform regularly in town.

You can listen to the programme on streaming for free clicking here (skip to minute 35 for the part dedicated to Egyptian music). No special computer programs or devices required (well, ... you need some sort of speakers), just click on listen now. Hurry up though, the program is available online only for the next five days.

WEEKLY AGENDA MUSIC October 29 - November 4, 2011

Sorry! We experienced some Halloween hiccups. All back to normal. Have a very happy and musical week! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Saturday, October 29, 2011

- Cairo Symphony Orchestra presents soloist Yasser el Serafi (violin) at the Main Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- "MOZART DON GIOVANNI" at the Small Hall at Cairo Opera House, 6:55 PM (Part of the METropolitan Opera LIVE HD Series)
- "Alby Aleky Ya Masr" (My Heart to You, Egypt) concert at the Gomhouria Theatre, 8:00 PM
- Cairokee (Alternative Arabic rock) at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM
- Hip Hop Festival at River Hall, Sawy Center, 3:00 PM mistake!
- Ahmed Harfoush (jazz Bells in Zamalek, 10:00 PM
- DJ Feedo (Ladies Hip Hop & RnB) at Stiletto, 9:00 PM
- The Horrible Hospital of Dr. C at the C-Bar, 9:00 PM Gouna, anyone?
- Al-Ghouri Tannoura Dance Group at the Ghouri Caravansaray, 7:30 PM

Sunday, October 30, 2011

- Opera Children Choir at the Open Air Theater of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- En Chordais Music Ensemble (Greece) in the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Nogoum El Tarab Ensemble for Music & Singing with Moustafa Ahmed at the Gomhouria Theatre, 8:00 PM
- The Chicken Came First (Alternative) in the Wisdom Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- Nagham Masry (Egyptian Music) in the River Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- Halloween party with Ahmed Harfoush (jazz) at Pub 55, 8:30 PM
- Jakub UrbanTrio VS Eftekasat (Jazz) at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM
- Bashir (Nubian Fusion) at After Eight, 9:00 PM
- Samaa’ Band led by Intesar Abdel-Fattah at the Ghouri Palace, 8:00 PM
- El-Nil Troupe for folk instruments (Folk music and songs) at Beit Al-Suheimi, 7:30 PM

Monday, October 31 , 2011

- Recital with Pavel Sporcl (violin) & Petr Jiříkovský (piano) in the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Nagham Masry (Egyptian Music) in the River Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- Nightmare on 26th July St. with DJ Samba (video) (Halloween party) at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM
- Al-Ghouri Tannoura Dance Group at the Ghouri Caravansaray, 7:30 PM

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

- El Masreyeen Band (Egyptian traditional) the River Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- Fuego (Latino Gipsy music) at the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM
- Nass Makan at Makan, 9:00 PM

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

- Chamber Music Concert with Mostafa Saeed in the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Oboe Recital, Wessam Ahmed (oboe) at Malak Gabr Arts Theater, AUC New Campus, 1:00 PM
- AUC Folklore group, Ewart Hall, AUC Downtown, 8:00 PM
- DJ Ramy/DJ Sleem (Boogie) the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM
- Al-Ghouri Tannoura Dance Group at the Ghouri Caravansaray, 8:30
- Mazaher Ensemble at the Makan, 9:00

Thursday, November 3, 2011

- Cairo Symphony Orchestra presents Yasser el Serafi (solo violin) in the Main Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Song Recital with Iman Mostafa in the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- Heritage Ensemble for Arab Music at the Arab Music Institute, 8:00 PM
- Song Concert - Johnny at the Open Air Theater, 8:00 PM
- Saki Puppet Theater presents "Om Koulthoum" onstage, Wisdom Hall, El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- Jailbirds (Rock 'n Roll) & Glass Onion (Beatles) the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM
- Rango (Sudanese music) at El Tanboura Hall, 8:30 PM
- Salalem (Blues/Funk/Rock) at After Eight, 9:00 PM
- Yacoub Abu Ghosh (jazz, funk, Jordan) at the Geneina Theater, Al Azhar Park, 8:00 PM

Friday, November 4, 2011

- Voice of the Streets Hip-Hop Event, Markaz Shabab Gezira (Gezira Youth Club), 5:00 PM
- Cairo Conservatoire Concert at the Small Hall of Cairo Opera House, 8:00 PM
- El Sakia Choir for Adults led by Hussam Samir, performing Sheikh Imam songs in the Wisdom Hall of El Sawi Cultural Centre in Zamalek, 8:00 PM
- DJ Ouzo (Progressive House) the Cairo Jazz Club, 9:00 PM

Cinema Updates

Saturday, October 29 - Sunday, October 31, 2011

Arab Shorts 2011 Film Festival, Goethe Institut, 5 Bustan St, Downtown. Refer tolink for full schedule.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

- "DIE FREMDE" (When We Leave) at the Jesuit Center, 6:30 PM
Gerrman / Turkish with Arabic subtitles
Directed by Feo Aladag
Featuring Sibel Kekilli, Nizam Schiller and Derya Alabora

Umay is a young woman of Turkish descent, fighting for an independent and self-determined life in Germany against the resistance of her family. Her struggle initiates a dynamic, which results in a life-threatening situation.

Screened at the Jesuit Center's "Gameat El Nahdet El Alamea wel Thaqafiya"
15 Mahrani street, behind the Jesuit School, Faggala
close to Shohadaa metro stop

Sunday, October 30, 2011

"HASSAN WE NAIMA" (Hassan and Naima) at the Netherlands-Flemish Institute in Cairo, 6:00 PM
1959
Directed by Henry Barakat
Featuring: Soad Hosny, Moharam Foad
Arabic with English subtitles.
Duration: 100 minutes

The story of Hassan and Naima is an old Egyptian folk story talking about the impossible love between two lovers. Hassan is a poor singer in a folk troupe, performing on weddings. Naima is the daughter of a rich village elder, betrothed to Atwa who only wants to marry her because of her father’s riches. Hassan comes to ask for Naima’s hand, but Atwa vows to kill him.

Address: 1, Mahmoud Azmi Str (www.tinyurl.com/NVICmap), Zamalek, Egypt, 11211

Monday, October 31, 2011

"MACISTE E LA REGINA DI SAMAR" (Hercules Against the Moon Men) at the Cinema al Fourn, Darb 17 18, 8:00 PM

When evil aliens from the Moon invade Earth seeking human sacrifice, it's up to Hercules to save the day. However, Hercules is unaware that the Moon Men are in cahoots with the sultry Queen of Samar, who, in a diabolical twist, has arranged to work with the Moon Men in return for being granted ultimate power! Watch as the mighty Greek legend engages evil aliens, topples terrifying stone monsters, confronts mysterious pulsing orbs, and wards off the dangerous advances of a voluptuous femme fatale.

LISZT RECITAL with MOHAMED SHAMS

The brilliant young Egyptian pianist Mohamed Shams will be performing on Sunday November 13, 2011 at 8:00 PM in the Golden Hall of the Mohamed Ali Palace in Manial. The program will be entirely dedicated to Franz Liszt. For a biography of Mohamed Shams (who recently won the Bryden Thomson Prize) and a complete program of the evening, click here.

This concert is an event not to be missed for classical music fans (and not ... good music is good music), not only for the musical quality to be expected from the performance itself, but also because it will mark the return to activity, after January's revolution, of the International Music Center, an organization that has brought to Cairo in the past many fantastic musicians and provided for memorable concerts. Welcome back, and may the tradition continue.

 

EXHIBITION "La Suisse plurielle - Switzerland and migration"

„La Suisse plurielle – Switzerland and migration“, is an exhibition of texts and photos about migrants living in Switzerland, by Swiss photographers Ursula Markus, Edouard Rieben and Pierre Antoine Grisoni. It is organized by the Embassy of Switzerland in Egypt and displayed at the Legacy Gallery, AUC Tahrir Square, until November 19, 2011.

In connection with this exhibition, the Embassy of Switzerland is organizing on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 from 7:00 PM to 9.30 PM at the Oriental Hall of AUC in Tahrir Square, the event “From Switzerland to Egypt, Integration through Chocolate?, four Stories of Migration”. The purpose of this event is to give the audience the possibility to understand better what it means to migrate to Egypt from Switzerland and vice versa. Four witnesses will relate their stories of integration. To be sure, the audience is invited as well to share his/her experience. The event is open to the public.

For more information, please contact the Swiss Embassy in Cairo.