The Egyptian Gazette reviews the film 'Flight 404', which follows Ghada el-Saeed's journey of repentance and self-discovery as she plans a pilgrimage to Mecca. The film, written by Mohamed Ragaa and directed by Hani Khalifa, explores themes of morality, judgment, and redemption. Mona Zaki's performance as Ghada is highlighted for its creativity and originality, and the film is noted for its realistic portrayal of inner struggles and use of visual symbols. Despite the film's bold approach, the review suggests that the happy ending may not fully capture Ghada's complex experiences.

The article explores the cultural significance of the Tarzan character, tracing its origins from Edgar Rice Burroughs' 1912 novel to its roots in Arab culture with Ibn Tufail's Hayy ibn Yaqzan. It highlights the character's adaptation in Hollywood and Egyptian cinema, focusing on notable films like 'Ismail Yasin Tarzan' and 'Nadouga'. 'Nadouga', directed by Hussein Fawzy and starring Tahia Karioka, is celebrated for its natural setting, musical elements, and Karioka's dance performances, making it a classic worth watching.

Egypt is engaging in efforts to mediate and prevent further escalations between Israel and Palestine, according to Ali Atef from the Egyptian Centre For Strategic Studies. Atef emphasized that any actions leading to the evacuation of Palestinians or pushing them towards Egyptian borders are unacceptable, as they would signify the abandonment of the Palestinian cause. The situation remains tense, with Israeli media reporting 900 deaths from Hamas attacks and Gaza's health ministry reporting 770 killed and over 4,000 wounded due to Israeli strikes.

Egypt has rejected Israeli calls for the displacement of Palestinians towards Egyptian borders, as stated by Heba Shoukry of the Egyptian Centre For Strategic Studies. Egypt, historically a mediator in the Palestine-Israel conflict, condemns the proposed evacuations, viewing them as an attempt to empty the Gaza Strip. Israel has imposed a total blockade on Gaza following Hamas attacks, resulting in a humanitarian crisis. Egypt criticizes Israel's actions as war crimes and violations of international law, with Shoukry highlighting the negative impact of Benjamin Netanyahu's extremist policies on regional stability. Israeli and Gaza sources report high casualties from the recent escalation.

Artists worldwide are using graffiti to express solidarity with Gaza amidst ongoing Israeli aggression. The article highlights the influential role of street art in the Middle East, particularly during the Arab Spring and the current conflict in Gaza. Artists like Abdelwahed Benmessaoud, Emmalene Blake, Moataz Mohamed, and Nemo are creating powerful murals to raise awareness and support for Palestine. Rabeea Eid's initiative, Graffiti from Palestine, documents these expressions of resistance. The article underscores the resilience of graffiti as a form of protest and its significance in the Palestinian struggle for independence.

Hollywood often portrays Arabs through negative stereotypes such as villains, ignorant individuals, or terrorists, despite the success of Arab actors like Omar Sharif and Rami Malek. Films like 'Taken' and 'American Sniper' reinforce these stereotypes, while others like 'The Visitor' and 'Aladdin' offer more positive representations. Arab filmmakers are encouraged to showcase their work internationally to provide a more accurate depiction of Arab culture. Notable films like 'Theeb', 'Wadjda', and 'Capernaum' have gained acclaim for their authentic storytelling and representation of Arab experiences.

The American Culture Centre (ACC) in Cairo has reopened after being closed since 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Chargé d’Affaires John P. Desrocher emphasized the centre's long-standing role in serving Egyptians and highlighted the expansion of digital services during the closure. The ACC offers a variety of free educational and cultural programs, including English conversation clubs, movie screenings, and a library, aiming to foster discussions on US policy, culture, and values.

Artists worldwide are using graffiti to express solidarity with Gaza amidst ongoing Israeli aggression. The article highlights the role of street art in political protest, featuring artists like Abdelwahed Benmessaoud, Emmalene Blake, Moataz Mohamed, and Nemo, who use their work to raise awareness and support for Palestine. Rabeea Eid's initiative, Graffiti from Palestine, documents this art form's impact. The article criticizes Israeli actions, including the erasure of graffiti, and underscores the global rise in artistic resistance.

Egyptian audiences are familiar with American superheroes, but Egyptian superhero films often lean towards comedy. The latest film, 'Tag,' features a protagonist with inherited superpowers who battles his evil twin brother. Directed by Sara Wafik and written by Tamer Hosni, the film blends comedy and fantasy, though it includes some outdated humor and predictable plotlines. Previous Egyptian superhero films and TV series are also mentioned, highlighting the genre's comedic approach in Egypt.

American scriptwriting partners Matteo Borghese and Rob Turbovsky emphasize generating comedy from unexpected situations without relying on puns. They recently conducted a workshop in Egypt, sponsored by the US Embassy in Cairo and the American Film Showcase, focusing on narrative and character development in comedy writing. They believe that while AI poses a concern, it cannot replace human creativity. Their work, including the Emmy-nominated 'Only Murders in the Building,' highlights universal themes that resonate across different cultures. They also praised the Egyptian series 'Finding Ola' for its universal appeal.

Christopher Nolan's film 'Oppenheimer' explores the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist behind the atomic bomb, focusing on his internal conflicts and moral dilemmas. Based on the book 'American Prometheus,' the movie delves into Oppenheimer's personal and professional journey, highlighting his work on the Manhattan Project and his struggles with the ethical implications of his scientific achievements. Nolan's unique storytelling and visual style make the film a thought-provoking experience, blending biographical drama with deep philosophical questions.

The United States Air Forces Central Band (AFCENT) aims to build cultural bridges through vibrant musical performances. During their recent visit to Cairo, they performed at various locations including the US embassy, the Pyramids, and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, collaborating with Egyptian percussionist Saeed el Artist. The band fused American and Egyptian music, engaging audiences and showcasing the universality of music. Band members highlighted the positive energy of the audience and the cultural exchange facilitated by their performances. The band's mission includes performing at official functions and public engagements in the Middle East and Central Asia, emphasizing the power of music to connect diverse cultures.

Ten years after the June 30 Revolution in Egypt, filmmakers and dramatists continue to draw inspiration from the events that led to the overthrow of the Muslim Brotherhood's rule. Various series and films, such as 'El-Ikhtiyar (The Choice)', 'Selsal el-Dam (Chain of Blood)', 'Gawab I’tiqal (Letter of Arrest)', and 'El-Meshakhasaty 2 (Master of Disguise)', depict the political turmoil and the role of the Egyptian Armed Forces in saving the country. These works highlight the negative portrayal of the Muslim Brotherhood and the positive depiction of the military and its leaders, particularly President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.

The article discusses the trend of adapting successful Hollywood and international films for Egyptian audiences, incorporating local cultural elements. It highlights several examples, including the adaptation of 'Un Elephant Ça Trompe Enormément' into 'The Woman in Red', 'Seven Samurai' into 'The Magnificent Seven', and its Egyptian counterpart 'Shams el-Zanati'. The piece also mentions Adel Emam's roles in films like 'El-Erhab Wel-Kabab' and 'Amir El-Zalam', which are compared to Al Pacino's performances in 'Dog Day Afternoon' and 'Scent of a Woman'. The article suggests that local remakes can be successful and may inspire interest in the original works.

The review criticizes 'Evil Dead Rise' for its predictable and unoriginal plot, lack of humor, and commercialized horror elements. The film, directed by Lee Cronin, follows two estranged sisters who face flesh-eating demons. The review compares the film unfavorably to Stanley Kubrick's 'The Shining', highlighting its lack of originality and depth. The film is described as more suitable for a low-volume background watch rather than a compelling horror experience.

The Cairo International Film Festival has selected the Egyptian short film 'Issa' to compete in its 45th edition's short film competition, taking place from November 15 to 24, 2023, at the Cairo Opera House. 'Issa' will premiere in the Middle East and North Africa after participating in the Critics’ Week at the Cannes International Film Festival. Directed by Mourad Mostafa, the film is a joint Egyptian-French production involving several production companies. CIFF's director Amir Ramses expressed pride in the film's selection, and Mostafa highlighted the festival's personal significance to him. CIFF is also accepting submissions for the Cairo Film Forum, and it is noted for being the only festival in the Arab and African region registered under Category A at the FIAPF.

The Pope’s Exorcist, directed by Julius Avery and starring Russell Crowe, follows the story of Father Gabriele Amorth, the Vatican's chief exorcist. The film, which opens with Amorth performing an exorcism in Italy, transitions to Spain where he confronts a demon possessing a boy named Henry. Despite uncovering a centuries-old Vatican conspiracy, the plot is predictable and lacks satisfactory answers. While Crowe's performance is praised, the film is seen as a pale imitation of classics like The Exorcist and The Rite. The movie may appeal to horror enthusiasts familiar with exorcism tropes but falls short in delivering genuine scares.

Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean, commended Egypt and its political leadership for significant achievements in the health sector, highlighting the 100 Million Health Initiative and Egypt's role in combating hepatitis C. He noted that Egypt's strategies have been shared with other countries, benefiting the region. Al-Mandhari expressed gratitude to the Egyptian government during an Iftar banquet in Cairo, celebrating WHO's 75th anniversary and the long-standing support for hosting the regional office since 1949.

Zahra Omar, 27, created the online platform 'Bostyle' to guide women in fashion and connect them with local brands. The platform includes an online magazine with fashion tips and interviews, and aims to support startups and the local economy. Omar is developing an AI feature to personalize style guides. Bostyle differentiates itself by offering a user-friendly experience and aims to become a major platform for entrepreneurs in Egypt and beyond.

The article reviews the Egyptian TV series 'El-Sofara,' highlighting its plot, characters, and the performances of actors Ahmed Amin and Taha Desouky. The series, which airs during Ramadan, follows Shafik, a young man who uses a magic whistle to alter his past but finds that each change leads to unforeseen consequences. The review draws parallels to the 2006 movie 'Click' and praises the series for its engaging storyline and strong performances, particularly by Amin and Desouky.

The Egyptian series 'Balto' features young actors, with Essam Omar in the lead role, and marks the first screenwriting and directing experiences for Ahmed Atef Fayyad and el-Mohandes, respectively. The series, which is based on real-life events from a novel by Fayyad, follows a young doctor named Atef who becomes the director of a rural health unit. It has been well-received for its light comedy and relatable characters, with notable performances by actors Essam Omar, Mariam el-Gendy, Arfa Abdel Rasul, and Mahmoud el-Bezawi. 'Balto' is available on the Watch It platform and consists of ten 30-minute episodes.

A 34-year-old wife in Egypt, facing an abusive husband who neglected his duties and filed lawsuits against her, issued the first marital disobedience warning against him in Egypt's family court, aiming to gather public opinion about women's rights.

Egyptian oriental dancers are striving to safeguard their profession from 'intruders' who they believe misrepresent the traditional dance form. The influx of non-Egyptian dancers and the rise of new music genres have intensified this challenge. Historically, Egyptian dancers have performed to classical Arab music, embodying the melodies and lyrics of iconic singers like Umm Kulthum through expressive body movements, offering audiences a sacred experience of this authentic Egyptian art.

Rawda Hassan, a 26-year-old woman, considers an 'experimental marriage' initiative as a potential solution to her uncertain engagement. The initiative aims to address issues in relationships and possibly reduce the divorce rate in Egypt.

The article discusses the personal story of Noha Talaat, a 37-year-old English teacher, who reflects on her experiences with bullying during her school years due to her curly hair. Talaat shares her determination to ensure that her daughter does not go through the same negative experiences. The article touches on the societal pressures and beauty standards that contributed to Talaat's challenges during her teenage years. It highlights the issue of bullying based on physical appearance and the impact of societal beauty norms.

Egyptian women are increasingly embracing their natural curly hair as part of a broader identity revolution. Noha Talaat, a 37-year-old English teacher, reflects on her own experiences of being bullied for her natural hair and is determined to ensure her daughter has a different experience. This movement challenges traditional beauty standards and addresses issues of bullying and societal acceptance.

Kite flying has become a popular activity in Egypt during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing a stress-relieving pastime. However, concerns have been raised by Khaled Abu Taleb, a member of the parliamentary Defense and National Security Committee, who proposed a briefing to the prime minister about the potential national security threat posed by kites, suggesting they could be used for surveillance purposes.

Egypt is easing coronavirus restrictions, allowing the country's international film festivals to prepare for their 2020 editions. The global film industry has been significantly impacted by the pandemic, with many film production companies delaying new releases and major international film festivals either canceled or postponed.

Culture Trip, established in 2011, aims to inspire people to explore the world's cultures and communities. The company offers premium small-group trips, including Culture Trips, Rail Trips, and Private Trips, designed for solo travelers, couples, and friends. These trips range from 5 to 16 days and emphasize authentic local experiences, activities, and quality accommodations. Culture Trip's Rail Trips focus on eco-friendly travel, while Private Trips offer personalized itineraries. The company is dedicated to sustainability, ensuring all trips are flightless within the destination and fully carbon offset, with goals to achieve net zero emissions soon.

Independent filmmakers in Egypt released three short films to raise awareness about hygiene, social distancing, and the consequences of ignoring quarantine measures amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the closure of cinemas and theaters in March, the Ministry of Culture launched the 'Culture in Your Hand' program, offering online plays and music concerts to entertain people during the lockdown.

Hend Gamal recounts the emotional and logistical challenges she faced when her father passed away 13 years ago. The article highlights the difficulties of dealing with death and burial processes, especially for young individuals unprepared for such events.

In Egypt, a family celebrated their son's circumcision with a traditional ceremony, but complications arose when the bleeding did not stop. The article highlights the ongoing debate in Egypt regarding the necessity and safety of circumcision, with some groups calling for an end to the practice, labeling it as 'male genital mutilation'.

Three women from Iraq, Egypt, and Palestine have leveraged their countries' heritage and handicrafts to establish businesses despite challenging economic and political conditions. Noor Hashim from Baghdad started her business in 2016, marketing handmade products inspired by Mesopotamian art through a Facebook page and later opening a shop for her brand Hili, symbolizing love and resilience against the backdrop of war.

A group of architects criticize the urban development in New Cairo and similar suburbs, describing them as dull cement blocks and poor imitations of high-rise buildings and gated communities found in Gulf states. Despite the praise from politicians and the public, these architects are not admirers of the new architectural style.

The Egyptian movie 'El-Daif' (The Guest) faces potential banning by the Cairo Court of Urgent Cases due to complaints from religious figures about misrepresenting Islam. Attorney Samir Sabri filed the case after Muslim scholars criticized the film for misquoting the Quran. The court's decision is expected on February 23.

The 40th edition of the Cairo International Film Festival, titled 'Big Dreams,' is dedicated to celebrating women directors, featuring a special section for films by Arab women and global screenings by non-Arab women. Running from November 20 to 29, the festival will screen over 160 movies from 59 countries, with 15% of the films directed by women, as stated by festival director Mohammed Hefzi.

The Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) has canceled its decision to honor French director Claude Lelouch with the Faten Hamama Honorary Award following protests from Egyptian artists and intellectuals. The backlash stemmed from Lelouch's perceived support for Israel, which he referred to as his homeland during a 2016 visit. Lelouch, known for his film 'A Man and A Woman,' comes from a Jewish-Algerian family.

'The Wedding,' directed by Egyptian American Sam Abbas, is a film that tells the story of Rami, a homosexual Egyptian Muslim who is forced into marriage. Set for a November release, the trailer has already sparked discussions, and the film is being noted as the first Egyptian queer movie, despite previous Egyptian films addressing homosexuality.

El3osba, an Egyptian comic book series, introduces characters like Horus, Mariam, and Microbusgy, who embody superheroes fighting against societal issues such as corruption, poverty, injustice, human rights violations, loss of Egyptian identity, and even bad grammar.

Rafik, a wealthy young Egyptian, invites his college friends to stay at his apartment indefinitely, with the last one to leave winning a large sum of money, mirroring the concept of the TV series 'Survivor.' The friends, who haven't seen each other in a long time, agree to participate, revealing their complex pasts and presents as they live together in what becomes a 'prison.'

Youth theaters in the Middle East rarely feature in high-level diplomatic visits, but the cast of 'Salem Nafsak' performed for President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on March 5. This event underscores bilateral plans to enhance cultural cooperation, aligning with the crown prince's Vision 2030, which emphasizes cultural and artistic development, including the establishment of Saudi Arabia's first opera house by 2022.

Jaafar Abdul Karim's award-winning TV show 'Shababtalk,' broadcast on Deutsche Welle-Arabia, is praised for its daring and unbiased approach to sensitive issues in the Arab world, including rights, corruption, refugees, religion, and sex. Launched in 2011 after the Arab Spring, the show provides a platform for Arab youth to express their opinions on politics, social change, and economic conditions, aiming to make their voices heard and respected.

Following a terrorist attack at a mosque in North Sinai, Egypt, which killed at least 235 worshippers and injured 109, the Egyptian air force conducted retaliatory strikes. These strikes targeted militant hideouts, killing militants and destroying vehicles and ammunition depots associated with the deadly attack. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi chaired an emergency meeting and vowed a decisive punishment, terming the attack 'vile and treacherous.' The government declared three days of mourning.

At least 235 worshippers were killed and 109 injured in a terror attack on the al-Rowda mosque in Egypt's North Sinai region. Heavily-armed terrorists bombed the mosque and opened fire during Friday prayers. The Egyptian government declared three days of mourning, and President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi vowed a decisive response. The attack, which has not been claimed but bears the hallmarks of Islamic State, is the deadliest in Egypt's history. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India's Ambassador to Egypt condemned the attack, expressing solidarity with Egypt in the fight against terrorism.

Female Islamic bands are becoming popular at women's celebrations in Egypt, performing at segregated weddings and henna parties. These bands adhere to Sharia law in their performances, often using the douf (tambour) as their primary instrument and appearing only at women-only events. Their repertoire typically includes Egyptian rustic wedding songs.

El-Samaha, a village in Egypt, offers a supportive community for widows and divorced women, providing them with homes, land, and livestock to rebuild their lives. Founded in 1998 by the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture and the World Food Programme, the village aims to empower women and promote gender equality. Despite facing infrastructure challenges, efforts are underway to resolve these issues. The village fosters a sense of independence and freedom among its residents, who appreciate the supportive environment and opportunities for personal growth.

The 24th Cairo International Festival for Contemporary and Experimental Theatre (CIFCET) began on September 19, featuring 27 performances from various countries including the United States, Russia, and Chile. Sponsored by the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, the festival is one of Egypt's largest international theater events but faces criticism from traditional theater advocates who view its experimental nature as elitist and disconnected from popular audience preferences.

Koshari, a staple of Egyptian cuisine known for its affordability and vegetarian-friendly ingredients, has undergone a modern transformation. The dish, traditionally made with rice, macaroni, lentils, chickpeas, crispy fried onions, and tomato sauce, is being reimagined while maintaining its cultural significance.

Young Egyptians are leveraging the holy month of Ramadan to launch small businesses, focusing on high-demand goods such as sohour and Iftar meals, lanterns, and decorations. These entrepreneurs are competing with established restaurants by offering quality meals at reasonable prices in street settings, providing a communal dining experience.

TCI Sanmar plans to increase its investment in Egypt from $1.2 billion to $1.5 billion, focusing on expanding the production of Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) and calcium chloride. The company aims to double its PVC production to 400,000 metric tonnes, making it the largest producer in the Middle East. Minister of Investment and International Cooperation Sahar Nasr supports the company's investment plans, emphasizing Egypt's efforts to create an attractive environment for investors. TCI Sanmar exports 50% of its production abroad, serving markets in Southern Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Northern Africa.

Gamal Talaat, a former army officer, launched the el-Masryeen Awla (Egyptians First) initiative in 2006 to empower women in Egypt by teaching them handicrafts. Initially starting in public parks, the project now operates in training centers in Cairo and Giza, employing 200 trainers and training 400 women, including those with disabilities.

The deadliest attacks on Coptic Christians in recent times on Palm Sunday led President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi to declare a three-month state of emergency. The bombings, claimed by the Islamic State, targeted churches in Tanta and Alexandria, resulting in 45 deaths and over 100 injuries. The Egyptian government has mobilized military special forces to assist police in securing vital state facilities. The attacks have drawn international condemnation, including from Al-Azhar and the US Embassy in Egypt. The incidents occurred ahead of Pope Francis's scheduled visit to Egypt.

The Sharm el-Sheikh International Festival for Youth (SITFY) aimed to combat terrorism through theater, featuring 18 performances from 15 countries, including Egypt, France, Iraq, Italy, Kuwait, Mexico, Oman, Spain, South Korea, and Tunisia. The festival, held from April 1-8, transformed the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh into a cultural hub, showcasing diverse stories and cultures.

Heba Ahmed, with a background in public relations and marketing, has launched Dogs Meals, the first service in Egypt offering fresh food delivery for dogs. This business reflects her passion for dogs and her desire to foster a pet-friendly culture in Egypt.

The ancient city of Aswan hosted the first Aswan International Woman Film Festival (AIWFF) for six days, showcasing films addressing women's issues globally. The festival aimed to support women, raise awareness against gender-based violence, and boost tourism, while also creating volunteer opportunities for Upper Egyptian women.

Rania Refaat, originally a lawyer, uses marionette puppets to entertain the public and raise awareness about Egyptian law, human rights, and women's rights. By combining law with art, she expresses her views and aims to positively impact society.