Playing with Giants

Sherif Arafa's 1991 Egyptian film begins with a phone call from Hassan, who is out of work. He says he dreamed that a fire would break out at a factory the next day; when it does, the security service takes an interest in him. The axis is where that interest leads. Hassan is first a suspect and then a usable instrument; the narrative shows, in comic form, how quickly state institutions shift position in their own interest. Adel Emam leads. The narrative takes direct aim at the political climate of the early nineties and the satire is sharp; the film caused argument on release. The tone sits between comedy and thriller. Who it's for: those who like Egyptian political satire. Who it's not for: viewers unfamiliar with the context; most of the jokes rest on the news of the period.