Documentary film about Alexandria to screen Thursday at BA

CAIRO – 7 November 2017: Raquda Foundation for Art and Heritage will screen the documentary film “Telk El Esknderya” (That Alexandria) at Bibliotheca Alexandria as part of the ongoing event “Cycling to Alexandria Heritage” on Thursday.

Directed by Sherif Fathy Salem, the film depicts several human stories of foreign congregations that still reside Alexandria to this day and exposes the hidden treasures of Alexandrian heritage, according to the event’s official Facebook page.

The 77-minute film tackles a societal aspect portrayed through seven characters of different social classes, religions, and nationalities; however, they all possess an Alexandrian identity.

Salem was inspired by the architectural details of streets, old buildings, and shops in Alexandria and thought of recreating the biography of Alexandria, according to an article published by state-owned newspaper Awsat. He stated that other films usually focus on Alexandria during its early 400 years and that it was rare to find documentaries focusing on the lives of its residents.

The social life portrayed in the documentary is led by a Greek man, two Armenians, two Italians, a Syrian, and four Egyptians; emphasizing that the city was once a world hub for immigration, art, and heritage.

“That Alexandria” premiered for the first time in 2015 in Alexandria and has later screened in Cairo in multiple venues. Salem spent one year and a half preparing for the film prior to his frequent visits to the city, where he met various residents who spoke about their memories.