As Egypt marks the 53rd anniversary of its victory in the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, also known as the October War, several national films have seen a surge in viewership on the Watch It platform. These films recount the bravery of the Egyptian army and cover various periods in Egyptian history, taking audiences back to the events leading up to the war. The films include "Al-Mamar," "Al-Sarb," "Tariq ila Eilat," "Ayyam El-Sadat," and "Al-Rasasa La Tazal fi Jibi."
Topping the list of most-watched films is "Al-Mamar," directed by Sharif Arafa and starring Ahmed Ezz, Sherif Moneer, and Hend Sabri. The film revolves around the Egyptian special forces during the period from the 1967 defeat to the start of the War of Attrition. It explores the story of Major Noor, played by Ezz, and delves into the military and political climate of the time. The film was first released in 2019 and runs for 150 minutes.
The second most-watched film is "Al-Sarb," directed by Ahmed Nader Jalal and starring Ahmed El-Saqa, Sherif Moneer, and Mustafa Fahmy. The film is based on real events and focuses on the Egyptian security forces' efforts to combat terrorist organizations, particularly following the 2015 kidnapping and killing of 21 Egyptian Christians in Libya. The film was released in Egyptian theaters in 2024 and has a runtime of 104 minutes.
Ranking third is "Tariq ila Eilat," which recounts a pivotal event in the War of Attrition in 1969. The film depicts an operation carried out by Egyptian commandos against Israeli ships in the port of Eilat, aiming to destroy two Israeli warships that were attacking Egyptian positions in the Red Sea. The film features a large ensemble cast, including Ezzat El-Alayli, Nabil El-Halfawi, and Salah Dhu al-Faqar, and was directed by Enam Mohamed Ali. It was released in Egypt in 1994 and runs for 156 minutes.
"Ayyam El-Sadat," directed by Mohamed Khan and starring Ahmed Zaki as President Anwar El-Sadat, ranks fourth. The film chronicles El-Sadat's life, from his early years through significant milestones in his political and personal life, culminating in his assassination. The film also stars Merfat Amin, Mona Zaki, and Makhlous El-Bahgari. It was released in 2001 and has a runtime of 168 minutes.
"Al-Rasasa La Tazal fi Jibi," starring Mahmoud Yassin, ranks fifth. The film tells the story of an Egyptian soldier who returns from Gaza after the 1967 war and whose life changes upon his return to his village, leading up to the October War. The film was directed by Hosam El-Din Mustafa and released in 1974. It runs for 110 minutes and is based on a story by Ihsan Abdel Qudus.
The list also includes other notable films such as the documentary "Khamsun Sana," which revisits key events over the fifty years following the 1973 war, and "Wilad El-Am," a film about an Israeli officer married to an Egyptian woman. These films, along with "I'dam Mit" and the documentary "Min Al-Nil ila Al-Furat," round out the list of films that have captivated audiences by revisiting Egypt's national history and the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Key points
- The films have seen increased viewership on the Watch It platform during the anniversary of the October War.
- The movies cover a range of topics, from the war itself to the events leading up to it and its aftermath.
- The films feature a mix of established and emerging actors and directors, showcasing Egyptian cinema's diverse talent.
