"Alexandria... Why?"
1978
Directed by Youssef Chahine

Egypt's master director, Youssef Chahine, brings humanity and sensitivity to this drama about a bank clerk who dreams of finding fame and fortune in America. The young man struggles with issues of national identity and personal freedom as Rommel's army approaches at the height of World War II. This was the first feature in Chahine's autobiographical Alexandria trilogy, a compelling and personally revealing body of work. Winner of the Special Jury Prize at the Berlin Film Festival. Arabic with English subtitles. 130 minutes.