By CAITLIN LUKACS and JODI WESTRICK

Observer Staff writers

NOV. 1, 2007

 

 

Those that depend on Washington’s Metro system can understand the value of a traveling companion during the mundane hustle and bustle of the daily commute. However, these buddies can become more than just traveling companions – as shown in Mohamed Khan’s Downtown Girls, an Arabic film featured in the 12^th Annual Arabian Sights Film Festival.

A scene from Khan’s Downtown Girls.
Photo Courtesy of Mohamed Khan

 

Yasmine and Jumana meet in the ladies’ coach of the Cairo metro after running into one another every morning. Their commute becomes a time to catch up on the issues facing young women in contemporary Cairo.

 

Work, fashion and men become dominant themes that mask their inherent fears of modern working women in a Muslim world.

 

Their relationship is strengthened and tested by their budding romantic interest in two male metro commuters. Both women feel the increasing pressure of marriage and question the romantic feelings they have for the men in their lives.

 

While the film is pegged as comedy, the plot delves into deeper themes – ranging from uncomfortable family situations to the dominance of men in Egyptian society to handling the pressures of work.

 

The film was entertaining with clever jokes and dialogue to which those of us in Western culture could relate. However, some references were lost on those not familiar with Egyptian life. The film spends a great deal of time building up to the climax only to end abruptly, with little resolution.

 

Though we were skeptical about the use of English subtitles, they did not detract from the experience.

 

The Arabian Sights Film Festival is showcasing films from North Africa, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine and Saudia Arabia. The festival is showing a few films directed by Arabs living in Europe and North America and a documentary about how Arabs have been portrayed in Hollywood.

 

Several directors will be present at their screenings to talk about their films.

 

The Arabian Sights Film Festival continues through Nov. 4, with all showings at the AMC Loews Dupont Circle theatre. Ticket information can be found at the film’s site.