Mohamed Hamdy writes: The Brink of Dreams

I watched the Egyptian documentary film "I Raised My Eyes to the Sky" after it was advertised as winning the "Golden Eye" award at the Cannes International Film Festival. I was attracted by its name, expecting a cinematic work that expresses reality in an attractive cinematic language. The hall was empty, and if someone hadn't left the hall a few minutes before the end of the film, I would have thought it was a private screening for me alone. The idea is good, but in my opinion, it appeals to Western international festivals that delve into the customs and traditions of Arab societies, and it would have been nice if it touched on minorities or specific groups. The heroines of the film expressed themselves with great spontaneity, and each heroine deserved a special award. I wish the film had been presented away from religion, as the idea touches society in general, not just Coptic society, and it is no different in the Delta countryside than in Upper Egypt. Some of the film's stories seemed truncated and deserved more depth or stronger moments of emotional expression, such as Monica, the owner of the strong, tender voice, and how she forgot everything she dreamed of after marriage, even though after giving birth, her voice swore to connect with her newborn who did not speak yet, and Heidi, who surrendered to her domineering fiancé by staying away from her theater-loving gang, even though her father, a simple man, noticed this and tried to help and advise her. Finally, the glimmer of hope in the film is "Magda", the team leader and theater lover. I wish the film had ended with a scene of her standing at the door of the college or the Institute of Theatrical Arts in Cairo. In general, a salute to the makers of the film and its supporters. By the way, I noticed that it is supported by more than one prominent Egyptian figure and prominent institutions, including the Doha Film Institute.