Cast
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Soad Hosny
as هدى
Shoukry Sarhan
as دكتور فريد
Emad Hamdy
as محمود (الأب)
Magda El Khatib
as سناء
Zouzou Nabil
as زوجة الأب
Zahrat Al-Ola
as الناظرة
Mahmoud Zulfiqar
as زوج الناظرة
Abdel Khaleq Saleh
as
Nabil ElHegrassy
as سمير
Inam Salusah
as زميلة هدى بالمدرسة
Eskandar Mansy
as المدرس
Zizi Mostafa
as
صافيناز الجندي
as مشرفة المدرسة
Crew
Director
- Ahmed Diaa Aldin
Producer
- Naguib Khoury
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Headmaster Woman 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 Ahmed Diaa Aldin 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 1968, 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 The Headmaster Woman took approximately 34 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 105 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 134 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1968, when this film was released:
- Counterculture movements were challenging traditional values.
- The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Headmaster Woman shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike A Place in the Sun, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Headmaster Woman subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Eayida and Nour al-Din and the Three Sailors explore similar territory, The Headmaster Woman stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 9, 1968
- Runtime: 1h 45m
