Ramadan on Egyptian Screens Throughout the Years

Whether it’s the festive carnations adorning the bustling streets, or multi-generational family squabbles around the dinner table the minute we hear the sound of the Iftar cannon, aka Al Midfah. Simply put, in Egypt, the holy month of Ramadan is (literally) something else. From classic comedies like ‘A’sal Aswad’ to full-length dramas like ‘Ramadan Kareem’, Egyptian filmmakers have long woven the traditions of the holy month into the cultural fabric of films and television series, beautifully capturing its warm spirit through memorable scenes that help shape up our childhood upbringing.

Ready for a little trip down memory lane? Here’s a list of the most memorable Ramadan scenes in Egyptian cinema and TV series…

ASAL ESWED (2010)

A classic, ‘Asal Eswed’ is a beautiful depiction of a humble Egyptian family's antics during Ramadan. Starring Ahmed Helmy as Masry, the comedy film never failed to bring warmth into our hearts, and perhaps the reason why we never seem to pronounce the word ‘Khoshaf’ right.

X-LARGE (2011)

Directed by Sherif Arafa and written by Ayman Bahgat Amar, the rom-com ‘X-Large’, starring Ahmed Helmy as Magdy, captures the struggle of fasting from dawn until sunset, especially when you are a foodie.

LEH LAA SEASON 1 (2020)

The drama series stars Egyptian actress Amina Khalil as Alia, a runaway bride who decides to prove to her family (as well as herself) that she is capable of ending life’s complications on her own. The series juxtaposes Alia’s feelings of loneliness at her new apartment during Iftar, with the warmth of familial gatherings on the first day of Ramadan. 

RAMADAN KAREEM (2017)

The drama series offers a glimpse into Egyptian traditions and religious culture during the holy month of Ramadan in a very authentic way. Starring Sayed Ragab as Ramadan, the series features a scene where Ramadan throws a tirade at his son when he finds out that he is not fasting. 

YETRABA FE EZZO (2007)

Directed by renowned filmmaker Magdy Abu Emira, the comedy-drama series ‘Yetraba Fe Ezzo’ follows the story of Hamada Ezzo (played by Yehia El-Fakhrany), a reckless polygamous man, who is unable to take responsibility for his own actions, and is spoiled by his mother’s never-ending affection. The series features a scene where Hamada’s mother, played by the late Egyptian actress Karima Mokhtar, tries to wake him up before the Midfah Ramadan fires up, signalling the time for Iftar. Honestly, who never had a prolonged afternoon nap, and had their mom shaking them back into consciousness? 

ZAAT (2013)

Based on Sonallah Ibrahim’s celebrated novel ‘Zaat’, the drama series explores the social and political changes that happened in Egypt in the 50s. Starring Nelly Karim as Zaat, the series features a scene where Zaat is assembling the ‘Atayef’, a Ramadan dessert staple in every Arab household.

YAWMEYAT ZAWGA MAFROSA (2015)

The comedy series ‘Yawmeyat Zawga Mafrosa’, features a scene where Dalia El Behairy's character tries to answer her daughter’s question of why we always eat chicken, meat and Mahshy on the first day of Ramadan. (Spoiler alert: She didn’t know the answer) 

EL LIEL W AKHRO (2003)

‘El Leil W Akhro’ is a classic drama series, starring Yehia El-Fakhrany, Nermin Al-Fiqy and Suad Nasr. The series captures the familial communal gatherings during the first day of Ramadan.