Cairo Time

Cairo Time, the fourth feature by Montreal born writer-director Ruba Nadda, was named Best Canadian Feature at TIFF in 2009. “With her latest, Nadda delves into the emotionally fraught territory of the fleeting affair. In a tremendous performance, Patricia Clarkson plays Juliette, a magazine editor. Vaguely dissatisfied with her job, Juliette follows her Canadian diplomat husband, Mark (Tom McCamus), to Cairo, only to learn he has been unavoidably delayed. Enter Mark’s old friend Tareq (Alexander Siddig), who becomes Juliette’s companion and guide, introducing her to various Egyptian customs. As they grow closer, the two struggle to control their obvious mutual attraction. Elegantly directed, beautifully performed and reminiscent of a sensuous vacation, Cairo Time has a sweet melancholia which lingers long after the final credits roll” (Matthew Hays, Toronto I.F.F.). “Clarkson delivers the performance of the year in Cairo Time, a film that is as subtly intricate as the star turn that carries it. Clarkson’s Juliette is a woman in transition, assessing new opportunities in an unfamiliar surrounding. Against the scenic backdrop of contemporary Egypt, Cairo Time leads viewers through an unusually melancholy romance” (Bart Beaty). Colour, 35mm. 88 mins.