Al Araba Al Madfuna III, 2016

Al Araba Al Madfuna III, 2016

The literary works of the Egyptian author Mohamed Mustagab serve as inspiration for the artist and lend the film a mythical touch through their unique narrative structure. The parables tell stories of ever-shifting zeal towards false idols and of man’s faith in what is fictional and ephemeral rather than what is true and everlasting. Al Araba Al Madfuna III (2016) was filmed in the ruins of the ancient temple of Pharaoh Seti and tells a parable on society’s relationship with nature. The film is projected in a darkened space with glimmering walls providing a dream like setting, inviting the viewer to navigate through the gallery as those in search of ancient myths and relics. The film itself is shot in inverted illumination and color further emphasizing the mystique surrounding Egypt’s Pharaonic past, a past so extraordinary that Egyptians still live under the weight of this immense historical period. Modern day Egypt struggles to embrace yet emancipate itself from its history in order to move forward. We see this further represented in the actors in the film who are all children playing adult roles and dubbed with adult male voices, as if reflecting on the stymied maturity of the nation.