Alexandria Encore

The third in a loose trilogy by Egypt's most widely respected director that began with Alexandria Why? in 1979. This takes as its starting point an argument between a film-maker (played by Chahine himself) and his favourite actor, an argument that precipitates an 82-style creative crisis and inspires the director to re-evaluate his work and his world. It's an exhilaratingly imaginative and sophisticated movie, embracing a number of themes and styles (including some marvellous musical sequences), beautifully shot and performed.