The production companies have unveiled the first images from the Egyptian documentary “Mafish Ragel Beyayet”, directed by Mohamed Mostafa, just days after announcing its world premiere at El Gouna Film Festival, scheduled to take place from October 15 to 23 as part of the Documentary Feature Competition.
The film marks Mohamed Mostafa’s first feature-length directing experience. Through the documentary, he explores perceptions of masculinity, physical strength and the emotional vulnerability that can exist behind an image of toughness.
What Is Mafish Ragel Beyayet About?
The film takes viewers into the world of nightclub bouncers in Cairo and bodybuilders, presenting men with powerful physiques who appear to embody strength and confidence.
However, “Mafish Ragel Beyayet” looks beyond their physical appearance. As the camera moves closer to Arab and his friends, cracks begin to appear in the image of the invulnerable man.
The film also turns its attention toward the director himself. Alongside observing his subjects, Mostafa confronts his own doubts as a filmmaker and his fears and questions as a man.
A Documentary Made Over 10 Years
One of the film’s defining characteristics is the amount of time invested in its production. “Mafish Ragel Beyayet” was made over a period of approximately ten years, allowing the documentary to observe its subjects and their experiences over an extended period.
The long production process gives the film an opportunity to explore the difference between the image men project and the emotions they may conceal behind that image.
Mafish Ragel Beyayet Cast and Crew
Mohamed Mostafa wrote and directed “Mafish Ragel Beyayet” in his feature-length directorial debut.
The filmmaking team includes cinematographer Mahmoud Lotfy, editor Ahmed Magdy Morsi and sound designer Michael Fawzy.
The documentary features Abdallah El Araby, Ahmed Hamdy, Haitham El Esnawy and Fares Sayed.
Who Is Mohamed Mostafa?
Mohamed Mostafa is a Cairo-based filmmaker who has worked in the film industry since 2011 as a director, screenwriter, editor, assistant director and producer across a number of projects.
In 2015, he directed the documentary “Tashkeel,” produced by Cimatheque Cairo and Atelier Varan. The film received the Best Short Documentary award at Rencontres de l’Images.
In 2022, Mostafa also co-wrote and edited “Noor Ala Noor,” which premiered at the Copenhagen International Documentary Festival.
“Mafish Ragel Beyayet” represents another significant step in his career, marking his first feature-length directing project and allowing him to examine masculinity, strength and vulnerability through an intimate documentary approach.
When Will Mafish Ragel Beyayet Premiere?
The film is scheduled to have its world premiere in the Documentary Feature Competition at El Gouna Film Festival, which will be held from October 15 to 23.
The documentary is particularly notable for the decade-long filmmaking process behind it and its exploration of masculinity beyond conventional images of physical strength.
What is Mafish Ragel Beyayet?
It is an Egyptian documentary film written and directed by Mohamed Mostafa that explores masculinity, physical strength and hidden emotional vulnerability.
Who directed Mafish Ragel Beyayet?
The film was directed by Egyptian filmmaker Mohamed Mostafa as his feature-length directorial debut.
Where will Mafish Ragel Beyayet premiere?
The film will have its world premiere in the Documentary Feature Competition at El Gouna Film Festival.
How long did it take to make the film?
The documentary was made over approximately ten years.
Who appears in Mafish Ragel Beyayet?
The documentary features Abdallah El Araby, Ahmed Hamdy, Haitham El Esnawy and Fares Sayed, with Mahmoud Lotfy, Ahmed Magdy Morsi and Michael Fawzy among the key crew members.
