The Women and Memory Cinema Club in Cairo is excited to host a screening of the acclaimed documentary “50 Meters” on June 3 at 7:00 PM. This event is part of the club’s ongoing initiative to showcase compelling cinematic works, followed by a Q&A session moderated by Ayat Allah Youssef, allowing the audience to delve deeper into the film’s themes and messages.
Directed by Khattab, “50 Meters” is a poignant exploration of a father-daughter relationship, set against the familiar backdrop of a Cairo swimming pool. This deeply personal narrative reflects broader issues of identity and reconciliation and is part of a burgeoning movement of independent and documentary filmmaking in the region.
The film follows Khattab, an emerging filmmaker, as she navigates the complexities of documenting her emotionally disconnected father. By turning the lens on herself, she incorporates fictionalised moments and reflective voice-overs, gradually revealing her own insecurities and paving the way for a potential reconciliation. The process becomes an intimate journey, allowing both filmmaker and audience to explore the nuances of familial relationships and personal growth.
“50 Meters” has garnered attention on the international film festival circuit, having its world premiere at the Copenhagen International Documentary Festival. Since then, it has been showcased at several esteemed festivals, including Mostra de València in Spain, the Oran International Arab Film Festival in Algeria, CINEMED in France, the Middle East Now Film Festival in Italy, and the El Gouna Film Festival in Egypt.
This documentary is a co-production between Egypt, Denmark, and Saudi Arabia, featuring a talented team under Khattab’s direction. The film boasts an original score by award-winning composer Jonas Colstrup, with editing contributions from Gladys Joujou and Khaled Moeit. Production was spearheaded by Ahmed Amer of A.A. Films and Patricia Drati of Good Company Pictures. MAD World manages international sales, while MAD Distribution is overseeing the film’s release throughout the Middle East and North Africa.
Previously, Khattab gained recognition for her short film “Let Us Play Yesterday,” which won the Robert Bosch Film Prize Development Fund in 2021 and debuted at the International Short Film Competition of the El Gouna Film Festival. Her work continues to delve into themes surrounding women’s choices and the multifaceted dynamics that shape contemporary family life.
