Sayed Darwish

film screening + discussion

Date

2023-09-16

Time

18:00

Program

Cinema

Runtime

Price

Free

About Event:

“Sayed Darwish” (released in 1966) stands as the sole feature film created by Egyptian cinema, serving as a cinematic autobiography of Sayed Darwish al-Bahr, widely known as “Sayed Darwish,” who revolutionized Arabic music and is revered as the father of modern Egyptian song. This month commemorates the centenary of his passing. The film meticulously chronicles the extraordinary life of this musical genius, from his humble beginnings in Alexandria to his untimely demise. Notably, his death coincided with a momentous Egyptian event—the triumphant return of leader Saad Zaghloul from exile. Directed by Ahmed Badrakhan, whose youth overlapped with the final years of Sayed Darwish, the film features vocalist Ismail Shabana (the elder brother of Abdel Halim Hafez) lending his voice to all the songs. However, the choice of Shabana sparked controversy, as opinions on the similarity between his voice and that of Sayed Darwish were divided among critics. Regrettably, this film has remained absent from television screens for numerous years, failing to reach generations born decades after its initial production.

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