Marwan Hamed’s debut feature was one of the most buzzed-about Egyptian films of the 2000s and was touted as the most expensive Egyptian production of its time. The film is based on Alaa Al Aswany’s 2002 blockbuster novel of the same name, which reignited interest in Arabic literature. The Yacoubian Building was adapted for the screen by the director’s father, Wahid Hamed, Egypt’s most acclaimed and daring scriptwriter of the 1980s and 1990s. It boasts a star-studded cast – including Adel Emam, the Arab world’s most prominent comedy star of the past half-century; the late Nour El-Sherif; and other celebrated performers such as Hind Sabri and Youssra.