Today, Monday, November 17, the film Bab directed by Emirati filmmaker Nayla Al Khaja will have its Middle East and North Africa premiere as part of the Gala presentations at the 46th Cairo International Film Festival. The screening will take place at 9:00 PM on the Small Theatre stage at the Cairo Opera House, within the « Midnight Screenings » section.
Bab is a feature narrative film produced in the United Arab Emirates, spoken in Arabic, with a runtime of 97 minutes.
The film offers an immersive psychological journey through the story of Wheda, who discovers cassette tapes hidden behind a green door, beginning to unravel the mystery behind the death of her twin sister. As the ringing in her ears intensifies, her journey leads her deep into the mountains, where alarming secrets open up and change the course of her life.
Nayla Al Khaja is the first female film director in the United Arab Emirates. Her debut feature film Three premiered in 2024, achieving international screenings in several countries including Turkey. Al Khaja is known for her distinctive color palettes and intricate interior sets, while her work addresses social stigma and personal transformations through multi-layered visual storytelling.
About Cairo International Film Festival
Cairo International Film Festival is one of the oldest festivals in the Arab world and Africa, and one of the leading international festivals accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF). Established in 1976 and held annually under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture, the festival integrates artistic and professional facets, making it a key platform for cross-cultural dialogue and enhancing the global presence of Arab cinema.
