‘Komma’ to Screen ‘Jareedy’ First Ever Nubian Film

‘Komma’ initiative hosts for the first time public screening of Jareedy — meaning small boat — Nubian film in Falaki theatre at The American University in Cairo (AUC) on April 28.

‘Komma’ is an initiative launched by a group of Nubian young people who aspire to shed light on the challenges faced by the Nubian society. Through organising series of events, they aspire to help publicise a realistic image of the challenges that threaten the historical roots and the future of Nubian culture and its heritage.

Jareedy film screening counts as the fourth event in series of initiatives organised to spread awareness about the nubian lifestyle, culture and heritage.

Inspired by stories from the past, Jareedy is a tale of a young Nubian boy who follows his dream through an internal journey. In the film, Konnaf dreams of conquering his fear of the water and tries to reach a rock in the middle of the Nile. As he continues to struggle with his fears, Konnaf finds guidance in Abraz, an old craftsman who takes him on a Jareedy ride. He also finds wisdom in the saying “to meet your dreams, you have also to meet your fears,” narrated in Jareedy trailer.

The minute and 30-second- trailer pulls you instantly to the beautiful lands of Nubia. Basic narration of the story guides you step by step to the lands of Nubia and the stories to be revealed. “All the stories are the same and have only one door. It opens on tomorrow which is interwoven with yesterday. This door opens on the Nile. Behind the door is the secret and the rest of the story,” Jareedy trailer.

The film features both Arabic and English subtitles while maintaining Nubian as the mother tongue through the whole film.

The film is directed by Mohamed Hashem, screenplay and dialogue written by Gamal Salah among many other who all had vital roles in the creation of Jareedy along with Tunisian singer, Ghalya Ben Ali who recorded the soundtrack of the film.

The film has granted international attention shedding light on the Nubian heritage and culture in Egypt. It has participated in a number of international festivals such as the Jaipur International Film Festival in India and the 12 Months Film Festival. It won best Montage and Cinematography at the London International Film Festival.

It has been screened locally for the first time in the Luxor African Film Festival that took place in March 2016.