By Antoniah Etienne
The film “Cairo Station” (1958) is a powerful critique of the human condition, set in the
bustling streets of Cairo, the capital of Egypt. It explores themes such as love, obsession and
social marginalization, as well as the complexities of human relations and urban life. “Cairo
Station” is primarily concerned with the social hierarchy and economic inequalities that exist in
Egyptian society. The film follows the story of a disabled newspaper vendor, Qinawi, who falls
in love with the beautiful soda vendor, Hannuma. Qinawi’s obsession with Hannuma is a
metaphor for the despair and loneliness of those who are considered undesirable or insignificant
in society.
The cinematography of “Cairo Station” is one of the most impressive aspects of the film. It
captures the atmosphere of the station and the chaotic streets of Cairo, with Chahine’s skillful
direction that immerses the viewer in the chaos of urban life. The film’s use of long shots and
close-ups creates an intimacy and tension that draws the viewer into the characters’ inner
turmoil. The film also offers a nuanced look at gender and sexual politics in Egyptian society.
Actress Hind Rostom plays Hannuma, a woman who challenges traditional gender norms by
asserting her autonomy and self-determination in a patriarchal society. Hannuman’s interactions with the protagonist, Qinawi, as well as other male characters, serve as a reminder of the difficulties that women face in meeting societal expectations while also asserting their autonomy.
While “Cairo Station” is undeniably a compelling and thought provoking film, there are a
few things that could have been better conveyed. One of the most glaring issues is how the
character of Qinawi (the disabled newspaper vendor in love with Hannuma) is portrayed. His
obsessive behavior serves as the film’s central theme, but some critics argue that this
one-dimensional portrayal of him reinforces negative stereotypes of disability and mental illness, detracting from his character’s complexity and detracting from the movie’s exploration of social marginalization. The subplot of Hannuma’s relationship with Abu Siri (her fiancé) is also underdeveloped and lacks depth. Hannuma and Abu Siri’s relationship is overshadowed by their central romance, leaving viewers with questions about what their relationship really means and how it fits into the larger narrative. A more in-depth exploration of Hannuma and Abu’s relationship could have added to her character’s depth and provided valuable insight into the dynamics of gender and power struggles within Egyptian society. “Cairo station” is an engaging and visually stunning movie, but its shortcomings prevent it from achieving its full potential as a thoughtful exploration of human relationships.
In conclusion, “Cairo Station” remains one of the most important Egyptian films of all time.
It’s a captivating tale of urban life and social marginalization. The film’s characterization of
some characters and sub-plots may not be as insightful as it could be, but the film’s overall
themes of love, lust, and social injustice strike a deep chord with viewers. Despite its
shortcomings, ‘Cairo Station’ stands as an example of how cinema can inspire thought and ignite dialogue about the complexities of the human experience. As we navigate through the
ever-changing world of modern life, the lessons we learn from “Cairo Station” remain a reminder of the constant struggle for dignity and a sense of belonging in a world full of difficulties.
Through an Arabic Lens: the Intersection of Film and Culture 