The Night of Counting the Years

Do you have a genuine interest in Arab films? Then, this is the film for you. The Night of Counting the Years, or Al-Mummia, is an Egyptian masterpiece from the late 60’s. The plot itself is incredible. In 1881, two brothers discover that the tribe they belong to survive only by selling antiques robbed from ancient tombs. The brothers, who refuses to take part in it, ends up running for their lives. At the same time, we get acquainted with some “people from the city” who have heard about valuables from an, until now, unknown grave and want someone to take them to the right places.

Even though the plot is worthy Indiana Jones, it doesn’t have the same level of action as the Hollywood movie. But for those who can take a slower pace, the reward is huge. The Night of Counting the Years is shot mostly during twilight, which gives it an almost melancholic look. This, together with the numerous Egyptian tombs makes the film stick with you long after you leave the theatre. The contrasts in the film are clear and focuses on what happens when the past meets the present, desecration meets veneration, and the need to conquer death versus accepting that we all one day will turn into dust.

Shadi Abdel Salam was born in 1930 in Alexandria and died only 56 years old in 1986. He worked as a director, writer and costume designer, and is as a director mostly known for his work with the film The Night of Counting the Years. He is also known for the short film The Eloquent Peasent.

Restored in 2009 by The Film Foundation’s World Cinema Project at Cineteca di Bologna /L’Immagine Ritrovata laboratory in association with the Egyptian Film Center. Restoration funding provided by Armani, Cartier, Qatar Airways, Qatar Museum Authority and the Egyptian Ministry of Culture.