Embark on a cinematic journey through Egypt's rich history and vibrant present with A Tale of Two Egypts: Ancient and Modern. This curated program presents three films that offer contrasting yet interconnected perspectives on Egypt through time. Discover how the echoes of Egypt's ancient past continues to resonate in its modern society, and witness the complex interplay between tradition and progress.

At the musée de l’Armée in Paris, there is a wing dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte’s campaign in Egypt. In Apoleon, the part-comic, part-serious decolonial reading, Egyptian artist Amir Youssef brings to life the figurines of this diorama, who join in the expansion of the conquering megalomaniac’s empire, culminating in a surreal meeting with the Great Sphinx of Giza.

Dawn Everyday is a true story about 8 year old  Nabil who tries to conjure up ways to keep his best friend from moving out of the country and learning about the world outside of his home. Set in 1956 Egypt, the film reflects on changing social norms which shaped the country post nationalization during Nasser’s rule. 

Following the toppling of Mubarak in the 2011 Egyptian Revolution, Amr Bayoumi's documentary Where Did Ramses Go? explores the complex relationship between authority and the people. The film centers around the 2006 relocation of Ramses II's statue from Ramses Square to the Grand Egyptian Museum. This arduous journey, which lasted 12 hours and was the most extensive transfer Cairo had ever seen, serves as a metaphor for the shifting power dynamics in Egyptian society.