Backdrop preview Banat Haretna backdrop
Banat Haretna

Banat Haretna (1987)

Aug 03, 1987 1h 30m Comedy Drama

The film revolves around Aziza, Gamalat and Lawahez (Boussy, Elham Shaheen and Dalal Abdel Aziz), three friends from a working-class neighborhood who work in the bag trade with Mrs. Nazaga. A disagreement occurs between them and they leave work with her, so a famous bag trader and her assistant Harbi exploit them to travel to Europe under the pretext of buying evening dresses. In reality, drugs are smuggled in their bags without their knowledge, and on one of their trips they are arrested.

Directed by Hasan El-Saifi

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Hasan El-Saifi

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Banat Haretna examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Hasan El-Saifi brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1987, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Banat Haretna took approximately 34 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 115 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
  • The film contains approximately 1878 individual shots.
  • The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 1987, when this film was released:
  • The Cold War was entering its final phase.
  • Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: August 3, 1987
  • Runtime: 1h 30m

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