Meeting at the Old Mosque
Meeting at the Old Mosque

Movie spotlight

Meeting at the Old Mosque

1970
Movie
87 min
Russian

Viktor, the protagonist, a war hero of the war between the Red Army and the Turkish 'basmachi', has to fight off bandits that hope to steal gold from Viktor's village town. TIme to pick up arms once again.

Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Director: Tewfik SalehGenres: Drama, Crime

Plot Summary

In a small Egyptian village, a young man named Ahmed returns from abroad to find his community rife with corruption and moral decay. He becomes entangled in a dangerous investigation involving a local imam and a powerful smuggler, forcing him to confront the dark underbelly of his homeland. As he uncovers disturbing truths, his own integrity is tested in this gripping drama.

Critical Reception

Meeting at the Old Mosque is considered a landmark of Egyptian cinema, praised for its unflinching portrayal of social issues and its complex moral landscape. Critics lauded its powerful storytelling and strong performances, though some found its themes bleak. It has been recognized for its contribution to social realism in film.

What Reviewers Say

  • A compelling drama that skillfully explores themes of corruption and societal decay.

  • Praised for its authentic portrayal of rural Egyptian life and its challenging narrative.

  • Features strong performances, particularly from the lead actors, adding depth to the complex characters.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this film is not readily available.

Awards & Accolades

Winner of the Special Jury Prize at the Locarno Film Festival in 1970.

Fun Fact

Tewfik Saleh, the director, was known for his commitment to social commentary, and 'Meeting at the Old Mosque' is considered one of his most significant works, reflecting the socio-political climate of Egypt at the time.

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