Modern Classic ‘Sahar El Layali' Returns to Zawya Cinema on April 30th

A landmark of early 2000s Egyptian cinema returns to the big screen for a special screening in Downtown Cairo.
Apr 27, 2025
Downtown Cairo's Zawya Cinema is set to host a special screening of 'Sahar El Layali' ('Sleepless Nights') on Wednesday, April 30th, offering fans of Egyptian cinema the chance to revisit one of the most influential films of its generation.
First released in 2003, 'Sahar El Layali' is widely regarded as a modern classic for its unflinching portrayal of personal relationships, marital tensions, and societal expectations in contemporary Egypt. The film marked director Hani Khalifa's debut feature and Tamer Habib's first feature as a screenwriter. It follows four couples as they navigate love, betrayal, and disillusionment, painting a raw, emotionally complex portrait of urban middle-class life.
Featuring a celebrated ensemble cast—including Mona Zaki, Khaled Abol Naga, Sherif Mounir, Hanan Turk, Ola Ghanem, Gihan Fadel and Ahmed Helmy—the film was praised for its character-driven storytelling and naturalistic dialogue, a shift from the more melodramatic styles that had dominated Egyptian cinema in previous decades.
'Sahar El Layali' was a commercial and critical success, winning several awards, including Best Film at the Cairo International Film Festival and the Egyptian National Film Festival.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

See - Sada Elbalad

9 hours ago

• See - Sada Elbalad

Serbia's PM Visits GEM, NMEC & Pyramids

Ali abodeshish Dr. Đuro Macut, Prime Minister of Serbia, visited the Grand Egyptian Museum, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, and the Giza Pyramids, accompanied by a high-level delegation including several ministers and members of the Serbian Parliament. At the Grand Egyptian Museum, they were received by Dr. Ahmed Ghoneim, CEO of the Grand Egyptian Museum Authority, who welcomed the delegation. He introduced the museum's history and structure, in addition to its most valuable artifacts. The Serbian Prime Minister and his delegation toured the museum including main exhibition halls, where they received detailed illustrations about the exhibits and the significance of the museum's unique collection. At the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, they were welcomed by Dr. Al-Tayeb Abbas, CEO of the museum, who gave an overview of the museum's unique location, its history, and its exceptional archaeological collections that narrate the story of Egyptian civilization across the ages. He also presented the museum's cultural and social role, and accompanied them on a tour of the main Exhibition Hall, the Royal Mummies Hall, and the Egyptian Textile Hall. The Serbian Prime Minister and his delegation also visited the Giza Pyramids area, where they were welcomed by Mr. Ashraf Mohie El-Din, Director General of Giza Antiquities. He guided them through the archaeological site, including a visit to the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx, during which they met the story of the Pyramids construction. During these visits, the Serbian Prime Minister and his accompanying delegation were keen to take photos at the museums and archaeological sites. They expressed their deep admiration for the artifacts and unique collections they saw, which reflect the greatness of ancient Egyptian civilization and the uniqueness of Egypt's museums. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean News 3 Killed in Shooting Attack in Thailand

Egypt Independent

10 hours ago

• Egypt Independent

Netflix original series ‘Catalog' starring Mohamed Farag to premiere on July 17

Actor Mohamed Farag is awaiting the premiere of his latest Netflix original series 'Catalog,' co-starring Reham Abdel-Ghafour. The series is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on July 17. It also stars Tara Emad, Khaled Kamal, Bayoumi Fouad, Samah Anwar, Sedky Sakhr, Donia Sami, Ali el-Bili, Retal Abdel-Aziz, and Ahmed Essam al-Sayed. It is written by Ayman Wattar, and directed by Walid el-Halfawy. Catalog tells the story of Youssef, a father who finds himself with the heavy responsibility of raising his two children alone after his wife, Amina, passes away. Having been separated from his children's daily lives for some time, he struggles to connect with them. Youssef is lost and confused until he finds a series of videos Amina recorded before her death, which include advice on raising children. These videos become his daily guide, helping him overcome the pain of loss, reconnecting him with his children, and revealing a side of himself he hadn't known before. Catalog was preceded by five Egyptian series produced by Netflix, including 'Paranormal,' which premiered in 2020; 'Drama Queen,' which premiered in 2021; and 'Echoes of the Past,' which premiered in late 2024. Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm

CairoScene

16 hours ago

• CairoScene

All The New North Coast F&B Openings We Know Of Thus Far

If you thought the North Coast was just about sun, sand, and strategically timed sunglasses selfies - congratulations, you've been tragically underfed. Jun 21, 2025 Whether you're beach-hopping or post-swim snacking, the North Coast's food scene is coming in hot this summer with bold debuts, buzzy imports, and cult-favourite franchises. Here are the latest openings we've got our eye on—because summer calories don't count. BABEL Marassi Marina Beirut's iconic fine-dining institution brings its Lebanese coastal flair to the shores of Sahel. Think opulent mezzes, seafood towers, and a high-gloss setting made for golden hour dinners. SALT Marassi Marina The Dubai-born burger cult lands in Egypt with its signature sliders, beachside cool, and unapologetically messy vibes. Line up, it's always worth it. EL&N Marassi Marina London's 'most Instagrammable café' is now serving pink lattes and pistachio cake by the sea. Expect florals, fluff, and a side of selfie lighting. LUNCH ROOM Marassi Marina This sleek Saudi Arabian concept is elevating daytime dining with elevated sandwiches, grain bowls, and fresh juices—all served in a space that feels more Milan than Marina. AHWET ZEITOUNA Marassi Marina A nostalgic Lebanese café experience reimagined for the modern Sahel crowd. Shisha, board games, baladi charm, and views for days. SANDWICHROOM SODIC, Ras El Hekma The cult Cairo sandwich bar brings its signature sauces and carb-loaded brilliance to the coast. If you know, you know. MAYYAL Mountain View, Ras El Hekma An ode to Egyptian flavours with a modern twist, MAYYAL is serving up mezze, grills, and seaside elegance in equal measure. COSTADORO COFFEE O Mall, New Alamein Turin's heritage coffee house has landed, pouring rich Italian brews with a view. Espresso purists, this one's for you. PICKL North Square Mall, El Alamein Dubai's smash-hit burger joint makes its Egypt debut with wagyu patties, loaded fries, and sauces you'll want to bottle. Chaos and crunch in every bite. SURF CLUB SODIC, Ras El Hekma Post-swim and pre-sunset, Surf Club is where Ras El Hekma's good hair days and better playlists converge. Expect seafood towers, citrus cocktails, and the kind of crowd that makes you wish you wore nicer linen. ARABICA Marassi Marina The name says coffee, but the vibe says sunset aperitivo. Arabica brings its minimalist Japanese roots and cult-fave brews to the Marina - iced Spanish latte in hand, linen shirt optional.