"Ahmad Abdalla’s ‘19B’ Explores Clash of Cultures in Cairo as City Modernizes Egyptian helmer-writer Ahmad Abdalla, known for being part of the new wave of independent cinema in the Arab world wit
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		"Ahmad Abdalla’s ‘19B’ Explores Clash of Cultures in Cairo as City Modernizes

Egyptian helmer-writer Ahmad Abdalla, known for being part of the new wave of independent cinema in the Arab world with his early films “Heliopolis” (2009) and “Microphone” (2010), returns to the Cairo Film Festival with t" "--START AD- #TheMummichogblogOfMalta Amazon Top and Flash Deals(Affiliate Link - You will support our translations if you purchase through the following link) - https://amzn.to/3CqsdJH Compare all the top travel sites in just one search to find the best hotel deals at HotelsCombined - awarded world's best hotel price comparison site. (Affiliate Link - You will support our translations if you purchase through the following link) - https://www.hotelscombined.com/?a_aid=20558 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets."" #Jesus #Catholic. END AD---" "he world premiere of his sixth feature, “19B.” It marks the sole film from the host country in the International Competition lineup.

The multi-layered narrative centers on the elderly caretaker of an abandoned Cairo villa known as 19B. The owners have been absent for so long that no one even knows how to contact them, and the building is falling apart. Nevertheless, the caretaker is happy with his jerry-rigged life there, sharing the space with abandoned dogs and cats, and drinking tea with the doorman of a high-rise down the block. But things change when the old man is bullied and threatened by the aggressive ex-con Nasr, the leader of a street gang.

Talking to Variety from Berlin where he is finishing the film’s color-grading, Abdalla reveals that he wrote the film during the lonely days and nights of the pandemic, when fear became his greatest obsession. He says, “The film was inspired by an old guy I used to pass while walking in the Zamalek neighborhood, who was feeding cats and dogs in the street regardless of how broke he was. I started imagining his life and mixed it with my own questions.”

Ahmad Abdalla Although the story reveals a lot about contemporary Cairo, one could also see it being remade in another culture. The nameless protagonist is guarding an almost demolished house that no one cares about anymore. He clings to it as it connects him to his own past. The building and the stray animals give his solitude meaning since his loved ones are gone. Abdalla says, “In Cairo, the problem of modernizing the city vs the old city has been a cultural issue for years and years. And the idea of the old man who is unable to simply accept that the world is changing around him, and that this change will reach him eventually is a timeless story.”

While the protagonist holds fast to his old ways, many changes are taking place just outside the villa’s walls. These are symbolized by the youths, led by the ruthless Nasr, who charge motorists for street parking, including in the space outside the villa’s gate, and sell various black-market vices including alcohol and cigarettes. Abdalla says, “Egypt has always been a ground for clashing philosophies, ideologies and lifestyles. I have always been fascinated with the question of co-existence and how we can all live together and share the same resources.”

As the dignified oldster referred to only as “the old guy” or “Haj,” Sayed Ragab is a revelation. Abdalla says, “When I was pursuing my career as a filmmaker, I used to watch a lot of independent theater. This is where I met Sayed Ragab for the first time and I was fascinated by him as an actor ever since.” As time went on, Ragab became an established star and Abdalla finally found the right part for his talent in “19B.” He notes, “I was astonished how smart and sensitive to the topic he was after the first reading.”

Also working for the first time with Abdalla is Ahmed Khaled Saleh who plays the antagonist Nasr. Abdalla says, “His amazing performance added a lot to the story and to his character.”

The film also f