Darb 1718 cultural centre presents their Cinema El Fourn October film series:


Wednesday 12 October

Nobody Knows (2004) - Japan, Director: Kore-eda Hirokazu

Based on true events that shocked Japan, Nobody Knows tells the harrowing story of a childlike mother of four, who sneaks her children into their new apartment as if it were a game. One of the game’s rules is that only Akira, the oldest, can go outside. Their mother leaves, first for a month, then possibly forever. As the money runs out and the utilities are shut off, Akira struggles to take care of his brother and sisters, determined that they stay safe, and together.

Monday 17 October

Inland Empire (2006) - USA, Director: David Lynch

David Lynch’s archetypes—recognisable from previous movies—once again construct the film's inherent logic, but with a new twist. Sets vibrate between the contemporary and a 1950s alternate universe crammed with dim lamps, long hallways, mysterious doors, sparsely furnished rooms and a vortex/apartment/sitcom set where rabbit-masked humans dwell and a Polish town where women are abused and killed. Filmed on video, the film's look has the sinister, frightening feel of a Mark Savage film or a bootlegged snuff movie. Constant close-ups, both in and out of focus, make Inland Empire feel as if a voyeur covertly filmed it. NOTE: Film is not suitable for very young viewers.


Wednesday 19 October

Crimson Gold (2003) - Iran, Director: Jafar Panahi

Two master filmmakers, Abba Kiarostami (A Taste of Cherry) and Jafar Panahi (The Circle), team up as writer and director, respectively, on Crimson Gold, a subtle tragedy about class conflict in Iran. Hussein is a lumbering veteran swollen by cortisone (for war-induced pain) and reduced to delivering pizzas at night—he is frequently lost in a mental semi-fog during the days. Witness to the rewards and vanities of the wealthy, insulted when a jewelry shop owner won't allow him in his store, and under pressure to get married, Hussein awkwardly aspires for higher ground but is more familiar with a life of marginal importance. When an eccentric socialite gives him a taste of luxury, something desperate is unleashed. Director Jafar Panahi brings his feel for and vision of the expansive ordinary, for the near-invisible forces churning within characters in seemingly throwaway circumstances.

Monday 24 October

Stalker (1979) - Russia, Director: Andrei Tarkovsky

In the near future, an unseen alien force has taken possession of an area of Russian wilderness that authorities have dubbed The Zone. The only thing known for sure about the region is that few who enter it ever return. Led by a Stalker—one of a small group of outlaws able to safely navigate through The Zone—a renegade scientist and a cynical, burnt-out writer penetrate the dangers outside in search of the power and transcendence rumored to exist inside. The Stalker longs to un-do a mysterious physical transformation The Zone has performed on his young daughter. The Scientist will risk anything to see that reason triumphs over faith. The Writer seeks a germ of inspiration that the crumbling and corrupt world beyond the Zone no longer provides. An eerie and honest meditation on the intersection of science, feeling, and faith, Stalker is both profoundly unsettling, and deeply moving.



Monday 31 October

Hercules Against the Moon Men (1964) - Italy/France, Director: Giacomo Gentilomo

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 fatal.


All films have English subtitles.


Programme:
12 October - 31 October
Mondays and Wednesdays, 8pm

Darb 1718, Kasr El-Shamee Street
Al-Fakhareen (Mar Girgis metro stop), Old Cairo
Behind the Hanging Church and Amr Ibn El-As Mosque