Overview

The Three Disappearances of Soad Hosni delves deep into the controversial life of the ‘Cinderella of Egyptian Cinema’, who starred in 82 feature films between 1959 and 1991. Using the technique of filmic montage, director Rania Stephan creates a moving portrait of the iconic actress, addressing the rumours surrounding her lifestyle and the mystery behind her death.

Praised by Variety as ‘beautifully conceived and expertly edited’, this film won the Sharjah Biennial 10 Prize (2011) and the Renaud Victor Award from FIDMarseille (2011).

The film has been screened in a number of major festivals and exhibitions, including Zawya, Cairo (2015); DOKUARTS, Berlin (2014); Chicago International Film Festival (2012); dOCUMENTA 13, Cairo Seminar (2012); IndieLisboa – International Film Festival, Lisbon (2012); International Film Festival Göteberg, Sweden (2012); International Film Festival Rotterdam (2012); Palm Springs International Film Festival, US (2012); Sharjah Biennial 10 (2011); Underdox Film Festival, Munich (2011); Rencontres d’Arles, France (2011); and FIDMarseille (2011). The film has also been shown at institutions such as the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA), London (2014); British Film Institute (BFI), London (2014); National Gallery Sydney (2013); MoMA PS1, New York (2011); Video Works, Ashkal Alwan, Beirut (2011); and Serpentine Gallery, London (2011).

Part of the Sharjah Art Foundation Collection, The Three Disappearances of Soad Hosni was co-commissioned by the Foundation, produced by Joun Films, and co-produced by the Beirut-based Arab Fund for Art & Culture (AFAC), The Post Office and Forward Production, with the support of CNC, Paris; FIDLab, Marseille; and Serpentine Gallery, London.

Screening Information

The Three Disappearances of Soad Hosni (2011)
Director: Rania Stephan
Lebanon
Documentary | 70 minutes
Arabic with English subtitles
Suitable for ages 18+

Click here to watch on full screen:
https://vimeo.com/402495528