Al-mumia: The Night Of Counting The Years Film

Synopsis

Al-Mumia: The Night of Counting the Years (Egypt, 1969) is often regarded as one of the greatest Egyptian films ever made. It is based on a true story: in 1881, precious objects from the Tanite dynasty started turning up for sale, and it was discovered that the Horabat tribe had been secretly raiding the tombs of the Pharaohs in Thebes. A rich theme, and an astonishing piece of cinema with a powerful grasp of time and the poetry it carries. The carefully measured pace, the classical spoken Arabic, the haunting score by the great Italian composer Mario Nascimbene, all work in perfect harmony. The film has a sense of history like no other, and Italian director Roberto Rossellini agreed to lend his name to the project after reading the script. It features actress Nadia Lutfi, a superstar during the Golden Age of Egyptian Cinema.

The Dominion opened in 1938 and was designed in the Art Deco style. It is a listed building, and the only independent suburban cinema in Edinburgh. Focusing on providing a luxury cinema experience, this is the perfect venue for an Egyptian red carpet event. Guests will receive a complimentary glass of wine and a snack on arrival.

This screening is part of AiM’s focus on Africa’s Lost Classics, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).