Into Studio Masr
Inaugurated in 1935, Studio Misr (or Masr as we Egyptians say) was the giant cinema project of Banque Misr, the 1st national bank in Egypt – a monarchy under the British occupation back then. It is Studio Masr that transforms cinema into a real industry in Egypt.
Nationalized under Nasser's socialist regime, the illustrious studio is offered for privatization in 2000 after four decades of public sector management. Despite the studio's dismal condition, a team of young cinema devotees embarks on its modernization adventure, signing a 20 years lease with the state. Fifteen years later, the protagonists look back on their feat and tell their stories.
A lot has happened in fifteen years, notably a revolution in Egypt and another in cinema industry; we are living the end of the celluloid era worldwide.
Through the history of the Studio and the story of our adventurous team, several narration layers get us to discover more about Egypt and Egyptian cinema. The handing over of the studio and its restoration works filmed in 2000 are today archives. Clips from Egyptian films shot in Studio Masr lead us to discover this famous place. Clips from other films are used to lead us through while shedding light on the more than a hundred-years-old Egyptian cinema.
"Into Studio Masr" (aka Fee Studio Masr) is a tribute to Egyptian cinema where Studio Masr takes us on a journey in time and space, fiction and history, friendships, aspirations and dreams.
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Mona AssaadDirector
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Mona AssaadWriterGiran (Neighbors), documentary by Tahani Rached (2009)
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Karim Gamal El DinProducerHassan and Aziza: A State Security Case, feature by Karim Gamal El Din (1999) - These Girls, documentary by Tahani Rached (2006) – Neighbors, documentary by Tahani Rached (2009) – A Deep Long Breath, documentary by Tahani Rached (2012) – Electro Chaabi, documentary by Hend Meddeb (2014) – Into Studio Masr, Documentary by Mona Assaad, 2018
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Mona AssaadProducerExecutive producer: These Girls, Neighbors, A Deep Long Breath
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Samir FaridKey Cast"Himself"
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Hatem TahaKey Cast"Himself"
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Aly MouradKey Cast"Himself"
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Karim Gamal El DinKey Cast"Himself"
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Gaby KhouryKey Cast"Himself"
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Project Title (Original Language):فى ستوديو مصر
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Project Type:Documentary
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Runtime:1 hour 35 minutes 9 seconds
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Completion Date:November 24, 2018
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Country of Origin:Egypt
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Country of Filming:Egypt
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Language:Arabic
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Shooting Format:HDV & Digital
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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Film Color:Black & White and Color
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First-time Filmmaker:Yes
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Student Project:No
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Cairo International Film FestivalCairo
Egypt
November 24, 2018
Special Screening (Out of Competition) -
Cairo Cinema Days FestivalCairo
Egypt
April 13, 2019 -
Carthage Film FestivalTunis
Tunisia
October 27, 2019
North African Premiere
Official Selection - Out of Competition
Distribution Information
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Studio Masr (Elixir Artistic Services)Country: EgyptRights: All Rights
Born in Egypt in 1956, Mona Assaad studies medicine at Cairo University and works in medical research. Cinephile and active member of Cairo Cineclub since the ‘70s, she discovers the world of filmmaking when she works as medical support on location during the shooting of Youssef Chahine’s "Wada'n Bonaparte" (Adieu Bonaparte) in 1984, and Yousry Nasrallah’s "Sarikat Sayfeya" (Summer Thefts) in 1987. Starting 1996, she works as assistant director on feature and documentary films with Egyptian directors Radwan El-Kashef and Yousry Nasrallah.
In 2000, she joins Elixir Artistic Services company’s team that takes over Studio Masr. When Studio Masr starts producing, she acts as the executive producer of its documentary productions, namely "El-Banate Dol" (These Girls) by Tahani Rached (Cannes 2006 Official Selection). She is the co-director on Rached's feature documentary "Giran" (Neighbors) 2009.
Assaad was also a jury member of the documentary competition at Tetouan International Festival for Mediterranean Cinema, 2011.
She directs and produces the documentary "Fee Studio Masr" (Into Studio Masr), her first film, that is released in 2018.