Cinema
Return to the Countryside
العودة إلى الريف
Ahmad Kamel Morsi · 1939
Synopsis
According to the only notice that summarises it, that of a dealer in vintage posters, the film follows a wealthy family forced to leave the city for the countryside, where it becomes aware of the needs of the peasants who work its lands. It deals with absentee ownership, that of masters who leave their estate to others.
Context
It is the first film by its director, who wrote the story and the screenplay. It brings together Mahmoud Zulfikar, the singer Malak and Abdel Salam al-Nabulsi; François Farkash was responsible for the photography and Behna Films distributed it, according to the Mopopoc entry. Maspero and elCinema place it at the head of the author's filmography; he came from criticism and dubbing, and made films until the mid-1950s before devoting himself to radio and television.
Who it is for
A feature film in Arabic, in black and white, of about ninety minutes, rarely shown.
Prizes and reception
First film by a critic turned filmmaker, on the responsibility of landowners towards the land.