Ban on Foreign Films Depriving Ex-Pats of Summer Schlock

Ban on Foreign Films Depriving Ex-Pats of Summer Schlock

I was beginning to wonder why no new American summer blockbusters were coming to the handful of big, modern movie theaters here in Cairo when I read about the ban on foreign films implemented by the Cinema Industry Chamber since June 29th. According to Cairo Magazine, "The Cinema Industry Chamber claims that its ban aims to protect the local cinema industry during the peak summer season, when Egyptian film companies make the profits that see them through the rest of the year."

I guess this is the impetus I need to go see one of the few big Egyptian films that are playing now (my plan for this evening, in fact), but I'm going fully expecting to maybe understand 3-5% of the dialogue and 2-3% of the plot, especially if it's a comedy. But then again, going to the cinema in Cairo is only partially about watching the film. You get to pick your seats when you purchase your tickets at the box office - important since the theaters are generally quite small and cozy. The incessant ringing of cell phones and non-stop chatter (both in the theater and on said cell phones) might be annoying during a tear-jerker drama, but they tend to be balanced out by the ear-splittingly loud volume of the film soundtrack, especially if you're watching something like, say, "Batman Returns" (my last cinematic venture). And then there's the mandatory "istirahah" or cigarette break in the middle of the film...

It feels a little less like summer without a cornucopia of bad films to help while away the hours in air-conditioned comfort. Thankfully, the ban ends August 30th, so maybe I'll still be able to catch a few goodies (curious to see Johnny Depp in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"). In the meanwhile, I take comfort in the fact that BBC Prime (the local BBC satellite station here) is running the classic television adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice" every Saturday this month. Take that Keira and Matthew!