A secret marriage in Cairo that society will never let them forget.
College student Amina (Leila Alawi) and lawyer Ibrahim (Mahmoud Hamida) are in love but many social and economic reasons prevent them from getting married. They decide to marry customarily in the presence of friends as witnesses on the contract paper.
Acting
Alawi's silent devastation speaks louder than any dialogue.
Direction
El-Tayeb observes without judgment, which makes it hurt more.
Writing
Every social interaction is a trap you see coming too late.
Director
Atef El-Tayeb
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Part of Egypt's 1990s 'New Realism' movement that confronted social issues mainstream cinema avoided.
The title's double meaning—religious duty and social conformity—haunts every frame.
EG
