Sleepless Nights (Sahar al-Layali) by Hani Khalifa (Egypt, 2003, 130 min., Beta SP)

Synopsis:
Egypt’s entry for the 2004 Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film and the country’s greatest box-office hit in a decade, Sleepless Nights has been a runaway hit with Egyptian audiences and critics alike. Starring a Who’s Who of Egyptian cinema’s younger generation, the film explores four young, well-to-do couples and their marital problems, including adultery and sexual frustration. The film’s candid portrayal of sexual relations and its rare criticism of the institution of marriage created a stir throughout the Middle East.
In Arabic with English subtitles.

Introductory remarks by H.E. Mahmoud Allam, Consul General of Egypt in New York City. Post-screening panel discussion with Lawrence Chua (NYU) and Mona Eltahawy (Arabic Women’s eNews) Program co-presented by Arabic Women’s eNews

Biography:
Hani Khalifa graduated from the High Institute of Cinema in Cairo in 1993. His short feature film Ladies Only received a special mention from the jury at the Claremont Ferrant International Film Festival in 1995. He has also directed a number of short documentaries, including Awlad Al -Nodour and Alfeyet Fakhry, and worked as an assistant director on many Egyptian features. Sleepless Nights is his debut feature film.

Festivals & Awards:
Damascus International Film Festival, 2003
Soussa International Film Festival, Tunisia, 2003
Palm Springs International Film Festival, California, 2004 Press

Reviews:
[A] cohesive product where everything from the acting to the decor, costumes and music is addressed with meticulous detail....[M]ost outstanding of all is the dialogue and subtle touch of the camera, which leave audiences feeling they are not watching a movie, but rather peeking into the lives of real people who have real conversations and act the way we do..
-Egypt Today

Sexually unfulfilled, but trapped by both love for her kind, repressed husband and fear of the stigma of divorce, Moushira indulges in lurid sexual fantasies on her analyst's couch and the brief attentions of a rival suitor.... The shot of her vacant eyes over her husband's shoulder is more haunting than racy.
-Ashraf Khalil, Women's eNews

Khalifa's image of contemporary life in Cairo...is daringly realistic. Cars, mobile phones, computers, camcorders, beer and hashish are present in abundance. Perhaps to a greater extent than any other contemporary Egyptian movie, Sahar Al-Layali [Sleepless Nights] affords a prospect that is visually true to life.
-Youssef Rakha, Al-Ahram Weekly