Egyptian Film ‘Shish Do’ Premieres in Damascus Cinemas
The Syrian capital, Damascus, has officially begun screenings of the Egyptian feature film ‘Shish Do’ at the Cinema City complex. This latest addition to the Syrian cinema circuit marks a new Arabic cinematic offering for local audiences, blending elements of dark comedy and social drama to examine how living pressures can influence life-altering decisions.
Directed and written by Akmal Shahir in his directorial debut, the film takes place over the course of one intense night. The narrative follows two friends: Adel, played by Bassem Samra, a water polo coach, and Nabil, played by Bayoumi Fouad, a veterinarian. Their lives intersect when the pair discovers an unconscious wealthy young man, leading them to kidnap him and demand a ransom. This act triggers a chain of events involving the victim’s family and various other characters, each pursuing their own personal interests.
The film’s title, ‘Shish Do,’ is derived from backgammon terminology, serving as a metaphor for the role of coincidence in shaping the protagonists’ fates. Throughout the narrative, the characters grapple with the tension between financial necessity and moral obligation. While the film maintains a comedic tone, it delves into the psychological depths of individuals who find themselves drawn into criminal behavior due to the stresses of daily life.
Since its release, the film has sparked artistic debate regarding its dramatic structure. Some observers have noted that while the first act successfully establishes the characters, the narrative loses some coherence in the latter half due to the inclusion of multiple subplots connecting the families and the kidnapping plot. Critics have also pointed to a variable pace, noting that dramatic elements sometimes overshadowed the comedic tone. Further critique has been directed at the logic of certain events in the final third of the film and a perceived fragmentation in the narrative. Conversely, the work has received praise for its strong visual elements, editing, and soundtrack, all of which contribute to the film’s distinct atmosphere.
The cast features Bassem Samra and Bayoumi Fouad alongside Michel Milad, who portrays ‘Helal,’ a character that blends authority with comedic flair. The supporting cast includes Rahma Ahmed, Basant Abu Pasha, Mohamed Otaka, Malik Emad, and Mahmoud Azab. ‘Shish Do’ continues to attract attention from Damascus audiences, standing as a significant Arabic cinematic production currently in local theaters and raising questions about the ability of modern film to integrate social issues within an entertaining framework.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
