Directed by Ayten Amin, the drama movie Villa 69 will be screened in Cairo's Magnolia - Leaves of Art on Monday 20 June.

The film starring Lebleba, Arwa Gouda and Khaled Abol Naga talks about Hussein who enjoys a solitary existence until his past catches up with him when his sister and nephew move into his house.

According toAhram Online's film reviewer Menna Taher, "Villa 69, formerly called '69 Mesaha Square, is a nostalgic film infused with a youthful spirit. Within the confines of a beautiful, dusty villa in a quiet neighbourhood, the viewer feels transported to an older version of Cairo or one that is hidden in the cracks of bustling contemporary Cairo."

This is the first feature coming from the young director Ayten Amin. Equally, the film is also the first by screenwriter Muhammad El-Hajj, and Mahmoud Ezzat, who co-wrote the script.

Villa 69 premiered at Abu Dhabi International Film Festival 2013 where it was awarded a Special Jury Award (Arab World).

It received three awards at the Egyptian Catholic Centre for Cinema awards in 2014: best actor for Khaled Abu El-Naga, best cinematography for Hossam Shahin and a certificate for actress Heba Youssry.

The film also received the highest number of awards at the 40th annual Egyptian Film Association Festival: best debut work for Ayten Amin, best leading actor for Khaled Abu El-Naga, best supporting actor for Omar El-Ghandour, best supporting actress for Heba Youssry, best editing for Emad Maher and a certificate for art director Shahira Nassef for her impressive work on the film's production set.

The film was first screened in Egypt during the 6th Panorama of the European Film in November 2013, and was later screened commercially in numerous movie theatres across the country in December the same year.

Villa 69 is in Arabic with English subtitles. Running time: 108mins

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Programme:
Monday 20 June, 9pm
Magnolia. Leaves of Art:12 Mohamed Anis street, Zamalek, Cairo

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