The documentary chronicles the journey of a group of young Coptic women as they establish their own theater ensemble.
Egyptian documentary The Brink of Dreams, produced by Felucca Films and directed by Nada Riyadh and Ayman El Amir, will compete at the 60th Chicago International Film Festival, which will take place from October 17 to 27, 2024.
The Brink of Dreams (Les Filles du Nil), set in the directors’ native Egypt, premiered in the Critics’ Week sidebar at Cannes 2024. The film made history by becoming the first Egyptian film to win the prestigious L’Oeil d’or (Golden Eye Award) for Best Documentary Film at the 77th Cannes Film Festival.
Directed by Nada Riyadh and Ayman El Amir, The Brink of Dreams serves as their second feature film. The documentary delves into the journey of a group of young Coptic women who challenge the constraints of their traditional upbringing by forming an all-female theatre troupe. Through their artistic endeavours, they navigate the complexities of transitioning into womanhood.
Mohamed Khaled took on the role of line producer, supported by assistant directors Hamees El Balshy and Doha Hamdy. The film’s cinematography was led by a group of DOPs, including Dina El Zeneiny, Ahmed Ismael and Ayman El Amir. Sound recording was managed by Mostafa Shaaban, Sameh Nabil, Osama Goubail and Shadwa Ali, while Ahmad El Sawy composed the film’s evocative score. The editing was a collaborative effort by Veronique Lagoarde-Segot, Ahmed Magdy Morsy, Ayman El Amir and Nada Riyadh.
