#SHOWBIZ: In Cairo, the little indie cinema that could
In the heart of Cairo, a small cinema has, for more than a decade, offered a unique space for independent film in a country whose industry is largely dominated by commercial considerations.
Zawya, meaning "perspective" in Arabic, has weathered the storm of Egypt's economic upheavals, championing a more artistic approach from the historical heart of the country's golden age of cinema.
Zawya was born in the post-revolutionary artistic fervour of the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime president Hosni Mubarak.
"There was this energy where people wanted to produce and create, not just in cinema, but in all the arts, you could feel it," said Zawya founder Youssef Shazli.
In the time since, it has escaped a wave of closures — some forced — of art centres across the capital.
Egypt had long been known as the Hollywood of the Arab world, but in the decades since its mid-century heyday, the domestic industry has largely been restricted to crowd-pleasing blockbusters.
"It's often said that we're lucky to have a large film industry, with infrastructure already in place," said filmmaker Maged Nader.
"But the truth is this industry operates solely on a commercial logic", leaving little room for independent filmmakers, he added.
Yet Zawya has survived in its niche, in part due to the relative financial stability afforded to it by its parent company Misr International Films.
Founded in 1972 by Egyptian cinematic giant Youssef Chahine — Shazli's great uncle — the company continues to produce and distribute films.
YOUNG TALENT
For Shazli, Zawya is "a cinema for films that don't fit into traditional theatres".
But for young cinephiles like 24-year-old actress Lujain, "it feels like home", she said as she joined a winding queue into the larger of Zawya's two theatres.
Since 2014, Zawya's year-round programming, including both local and international short films, documentaries and feature films, has secured the loyalty of a small but passionate scene.
Its annual short film festival, held every spring, has become a vital space for up-and-coming directors trying to break through a system that leaves little room for experimentation.
"I didn't even consider myself a filmmaker until Zawya screened my short," said Michael Samuel, 24, who works in advertising, but says the cinema rekindled his artistic ambition.
For many, that validation keeps them going.
"Zawya has encouraged more people to produce these films because they finally have somewhere to be seen," said the cinema's manager, Mohamed Said.
When Mostafa Gerbeii, a self-taught filmmaker, was looking for a set for his first film shoot, he also turned to the cinema.
Without a studio or a budget, Zawya "just lent us their hall for free for a whole day", he said, saving the young director 100,000 Egyptian pounds to rent a location.
THE HEIR
The light of its marquee spilling onto downtown Cairo's Emad al-Din Street, Zawya is the 21st-century heir to a long artistic tradition that still lingers, though often hidden away in corners of the district's broad avenues.
"It's a unique neighbourhood with an equally unique flavour of artistic and intellectual life," said Chihab El Khachab, a professor at the University of Oxford and author of the book 'Making Film in Egypt'.
Starting in the late 19th century, the area was home to the city's biggest theatres and cabarets, launching the careers of the Arab world's most celebrated singers and actors.
Today, its arteries flowing out of Tahrir square — the heart of the 2011 uprising — the neighbourhood is home to new-age co-working spaces and galleries, side by side with century-old theatres and bars.
Yet even as it withstands the hegemony of mall multiplexes, Zawya cannot escape Egypt's pervasive censorship laws. Like every cinema in Egypt, each film must pass through a state censors before screening.
"Over time, you learn to predict what will slide and what won't," Shazli said.
But even the censors' scissors have failed to cut off the stream of ambition among burgeoning filmmakers.
"Around Zawya, there's a lot of talent — in every corner.
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New Straits Times
12-06-2025
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: In Cairo, the little indie cinema that could
In the heart of Cairo, a small cinema has, for more than a decade, offered a unique space for independent film in a country whose industry is largely dominated by commercial considerations. Zawya, meaning "perspective" in Arabic, has weathered the storm of Egypt's economic upheavals, championing a more artistic approach from the historical heart of the country's golden age of cinema. Zawya was born in the post-revolutionary artistic fervour of the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime president Hosni Mubarak. "There was this energy where people wanted to produce and create, not just in cinema, but in all the arts, you could feel it," said Zawya founder Youssef Shazli. In the time since, it has escaped a wave of closures — some forced — of art centres across the capital. Egypt had long been known as the Hollywood of the Arab world, but in the decades since its mid-century heyday, the domestic industry has largely been restricted to crowd-pleasing blockbusters. "It's often said that we're lucky to have a large film industry, with infrastructure already in place," said filmmaker Maged Nader. "But the truth is this industry operates solely on a commercial logic", leaving little room for independent filmmakers, he added. Yet Zawya has survived in its niche, in part due to the relative financial stability afforded to it by its parent company Misr International Films. Founded in 1972 by Egyptian cinematic giant Youssef Chahine — Shazli's great uncle — the company continues to produce and distribute films. YOUNG TALENT For Shazli, Zawya is "a cinema for films that don't fit into traditional theatres". But for young cinephiles like 24-year-old actress Lujain, "it feels like home", she said as she joined a winding queue into the larger of Zawya's two theatres. Since 2014, Zawya's year-round programming, including both local and international short films, documentaries and feature films, has secured the loyalty of a small but passionate scene. Its annual short film festival, held every spring, has become a vital space for up-and-coming directors trying to break through a system that leaves little room for experimentation. "I didn't even consider myself a filmmaker until Zawya screened my short," said Michael Samuel, 24, who works in advertising, but says the cinema rekindled his artistic ambition. For many, that validation keeps them going. "Zawya has encouraged more people to produce these films because they finally have somewhere to be seen," said the cinema's manager, Mohamed Said. When Mostafa Gerbeii, a self-taught filmmaker, was looking for a set for his first film shoot, he also turned to the cinema. Without a studio or a budget, Zawya "just lent us their hall for free for a whole day", he said, saving the young director 100,000 Egyptian pounds to rent a location. THE HEIR The light of its marquee spilling onto downtown Cairo's Emad al-Din Street, Zawya is the 21st-century heir to a long artistic tradition that still lingers, though often hidden away in corners of the district's broad avenues. "It's a unique neighbourhood with an equally unique flavour of artistic and intellectual life," said Chihab El Khachab, a professor at the University of Oxford and author of the book 'Making Film in Egypt'. Starting in the late 19th century, the area was home to the city's biggest theatres and cabarets, launching the careers of the Arab world's most celebrated singers and actors. Today, its arteries flowing out of Tahrir square — the heart of the 2011 uprising — the neighbourhood is home to new-age co-working spaces and galleries, side by side with century-old theatres and bars. Yet even as it withstands the hegemony of mall multiplexes, Zawya cannot escape Egypt's pervasive censorship laws. Like every cinema in Egypt, each film must pass through a state censors before screening. "Over time, you learn to predict what will slide and what won't," Shazli said. But even the censors' scissors have failed to cut off the stream of ambition among burgeoning filmmakers. "Around Zawya, there's a lot of talent — in every corner.
Tatler Asia
07-05-2025
- Tatler Asia
The Dubai chocolate craze: How one pistachio-filled bar took over the world
Meet Sarah Hamouda, the British-Egyptian founder whose pregnancy craving sparked the global sensation of the Dubai chocolate bar. She reveals her thoughts on the dupes and the global pistachio shortage The confectionery world was set ablaze by the explosive popularity of the 'Dubai chocolate', a distinctive treat that rapidly captured global attention. Spearheaded by the Can't Get Knafeh of It bar from Dubai's Fix Dessert Chocolatier—which combines knafeh [spun pastry dough], pistachio and tahini paste—the creation quickly became a viral sensation, capturing the attention of food enthusiasts worldwide. Its popularity has not only driven immense demand for the original Dubai chocolate, but has also led to a proliferation of copycat versions and inspired creations across the globe, as chocolatiers and even major brands attempt to capture a piece of this viral success. Behind this global phenomenon is Sarah Hamouda, the British-Egyptian founder of Fix Dessert Chocolatier, whose initial inspiration, born from a pregnancy craving, has unexpectedly led to the worldwide sensation that is Dubai chocolate. Read more: A food lover's guide to Middle Eastern cuisine Hi Sarah! Congratulations on the success of Fix. Can you share how it all began? Fix was born quite literally from a craving. I was pregnant with my second daughter and had this intense sweet tooth for something nostalgic but with a twist. Every evening, my husband would drive around Dubai trying to find something that hit the mark, but nothing ever quite landed. What motivated you to experiment with unusual fillings for your chocolate bars? I've always loved dessert, but I was after more than just a sugar rush. I wanted that pause, that wow, that moment when your eyes widen and your taste buds do a double take. We weren't just making chocolate. I was crafting little bites of feeling. Chocolate was my canvas and the fillings were pure emotion. Every piece had to surprise you, delight you, and maybe even mess with your head a little in the best way possible. As a British-Egyptian entrepreneur based in Dubai, how has your multicultural background influenced your approach to chocolate-making? It's been everything. I grew up between cultures with Egyptian and British flavours, and now a deep love for Dubai's boldness and ambition. Fix is a reflection of that mix. The playfulness, the elegance and the roots— it's all there. I think that's why people from all over connect with the bars, there's something comforting and familiar, but also fresh and unexpected. Above Sarah Hamouda (Photo: courtesy of Fix) Can you tell us about the creative process behind developing a new chocolate flavour? It always starts with a story, a memory, a craving, a conversation. Then comes the flavour brainstorming: what ingredients can tell that story best? We test in our kitchen with no shortcuts— it's all about texture, balance and whether it makes you go 'wait… what is this?! I need more'. Your brand is being credited with causing a global pistachio shortage—how do you feel about this claim and is there any truth to it? I mean… what a headline, right? It's definitely not entirely true, but it makes for a great story. We do use a lot of pistachios (the good ones), and we're really proud of how far the brand has reached. So if we've played even a small part in spotlighting that flavour, we'll take it— pistachios forever! What has been the most surprising reaction or feedback you've received from customers worldwide? One that still gets me was a message from someone who had been going through a really tough time and said one bite of our chocolate brought them back to their childhood, just for a moment. That kind of emotional connection is everything. We also get the sweetest videos of kids dancing when they open our boxes. Those are my favourite. How do you feel about all the dupes in the market? Have you tried any fake Dubai chocolate? We've seen them. Some are flattering, others... creative! But honestly, we just focus on staying true to what we do. The magic of Fix isn't just the bar, it's the ingredients, the process, the care and the community we've built. Do you have plans to expand Fix Dessert Chocolatier beyond Dubai or introduce new product lines? We get asked this daily! Right now, we're still keeping things very focused: growing our team, improving our production and making sure we never compromise on quality. But yes, we're dreaming big. We're exploring new ideas all the time, and when the timing feels right, we'll take that next step. Slowly and intentionally, just like the bars. If you had to name a chocolate bar after yourself, what would it be called? Oof, that's a tough one! Maybe 'Beautiful Chaos'. Bold, messy, unexpected and somehow, it all just works. Like life, but edible. What's the weirdest flavour pairing you've ever tried? Mango and za'atar! It was interesting. Let's just say it didn't make it to the shelf. But sometimes you have to try the weird ones to find the magic. Aside from chocolate, what's your guilty pleasure? Spicy wings, definitely. There's something about the mess and the heat, it's my go-to when I want something satisfying.
Vogue Arabia
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With its sweeping views, luxe interiors and hypnotically scented hallways, nothing could possibly go wrong for holiday-goers — unless of course, we twisted the scenario into a White Lotus venue. The hotel's beautifully put-together spa is the perfect spot for mid-massage revelations, while the deep blue waters that extend from the Shangri-la's pristine beach were made for romantic excursions — or perhaps a milestone moment with family amid the dolphins. As for the rocky terrains that are staple to Oman's scenery? Think of them as a metaphor for all the drama that could unfold within Oman's most sought after holiday destination.' Banyan Tree AlUla, Saudi Arabia Nadine ElChaer , Arabic Director: 'With its otherworldly landscape and unshakable stillness, Banyan Tree AlUla feels like a scene straight out of a beautifully shot drama—perhaps even the next White Lotus . 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Qasr Al Sarab - Desert Resort by Anantara at Liwa, Abu Dhabi Photo: Qasr Al Sarab - Desert Resort by Anantara at Liwa Bahaar Peshawaria , Art Production Manager: 'Just think of the drama unraveling against a backdrop of endless dunes, where ultra-luxury pool villas and ornate interiors of Al Qasr Sarab Anantara at Liwa, Abu Dhabi create the illusion of serenity. Here, the golden sun could soften everything—except the truth. Between the sweeping arches, intricate carvings and flickering lanterns, the sand-coloured walls of the resort melt into the landscape, blurring the line between what's real and not. A picture-perfect anniversary or a solo trip meant for reflection could stir up something far less peaceful. Outside, palm trees sway gently in the desert breeze, but inside, quiet conversations and lingering glances could suggest that not everything is as it seems. Even the light here has secrets—casting shadows that seem to have a story of their own. 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And one can only imagine the magnitude of neuroticism to be unleashed as one exits the hotel's lavish hallways, inspired by Lebanese culture and fuelled by the limitlessness of the seaport city's vast waters and limitless skyline.
