Watch Cairo Drive

Cairo Drive is a 2013 documentary film directed by Sherief Elkatsha. The movie explores the stories of the people of Cairo, Egypt through the lens of their daily commute. The film showcases the chaos and complexity of the city's transportation system, as well as the people who rely on it to get around. It is a well-crafted documentary showcasing the vibrant and busy city of Cairo.

The movie follows a range of Cairo's residents throughout their everyday routine - getting up, preparing for work, getting to work, and coming back home. The daily commute is a struggle for everyone, and the film seeks to capture the energy and diversity of life in Cairo amidst the hectic and frustrating transportation system. Through this lens, we see the city transform as the day progresses, as well as the people who call it home.

One of the central characters in Cairo Drive is Tamer, a taxi driver and father of three children. Tamer is a person who sees life beyond the traffic, and who loves to explore everything that Cairo has to offer. He is an entertaining character who provides insightful commentary throughout the film. Jehane Abou Yousef, a young woman living in Cairo, is also featured throughout the movie. Jehane is a working woman who is also interested in the environment, and we see her travelling across Cairo in various forms of transportation including a bicycle. Her enthusiasm for the city is infectious, and demonstrates the resilience and determination of the people who live here.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is how it shows the range of lifestyles that coexist in Cairo. We follow a wealthy businessman in his luxurious car, and later on, switch to a poor man who rides a donkey. We see the pollution and traffic congestion of the city, as well as the sense of community among its inhabitants. The movie provides a truly authentic insight into the lives of people who reside in Cairo, and how transport is intertwined in their daily lives.

Another significant aspect of Cairo Drive is the way the film portrays the city's political landscape. We see how the 2011 revolution in Cairo had a significant impact on the transportation system. The film explores how people's experiences of the revolution and the political changes that followed are intrinsically linked to the city's transportation network. It considers how people adjust to political disruption and how they incorporate it into their daily routines.

The movie has a great message about Egypt's driving culture as well. In the country where accidents and injuries on the roads are high, it is necessary to change the way drivers move on the roads. Cairo Drive shows that innovative solutions must be devised, and the city's transportation system requires plans that accommodate the needs of all its residents.

Overall, Cairo Drive provides a unique perspective on Cairo's transportation system, revealing the daily difficulties and triumphs of its residents. It is informative and entertaining, with many well-captured moments that enhance the documentary appeal of the film. The director has done an excellent job of showing the city's difficulties with transport and how, amidst it all, people still manage to lead busy, productive lives. The film reveals a side of Cairo that outsiders rarely see, showing that despite the chaos and frustration, the city remains a vibrant and thriving place.

Cairo Drive is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.