The Journey of the Makers of Hidden Cinema: Documentary Cinema in Egypt

This book celebrates the makers of documentary cinema — those who have long remained underappreciated, receiving neither the public attention nor the recognition they truly deserve. It pays tribute to the devoted artists who have worked in this field away from the spotlight, whether they continued their careers in documentary filmmaking or later transitioned to fiction cinema, leaving behind a significant and enduring mark on this noble art.

From the earliest stages of Egyptian cinema, the documentary film has held a distinct place in its history. The pioneers of this art form made remarkable contributions across various periods, influencing generations of filmmakers who, through their own journeys, absorbed its spirit. Their works — whether documentary or fiction — carried the documentary film’s depth, sincerity, audacity, and artistic vision, reflecting its diverse aesthetic and intellectual dimensions.

This is a book that truly deserves to be considered a reference in its field. It offers both historical documentation and analytical critique, combining awareness with scholarly insight — and faithfully presents the rich and beautiful legacy of Egyptian documentary cinema.