A lot happened on the Cairo cultural scene in 2010. Here, presented in no particular order, are some of the highlights:
A stunning new movie in wide cinematic release addresses the topic of sexual harassment in Egypt. Seeing “678” is, according to some, a civic duty.
“Poppy Flowers,” a small Van Gogh said to be worth US $50 million is stolen from Giza’s Mohamed Mahmoud Khalil museum, spurring false arrests, ardent blame games, an Al-Masry Al-Youm museum series, and, ultimately, the imprisonment, trial and release of Deputy Culture Minister Mohsen Shaalan.
The 2010 Cairo International Film Festival recognizes two local films, “Microphone” and “Lust” as the best in festival.
The Cairo Biennale kicks off with a “?” leaving many artists and curators with more questions than answers, a vibrant "off biennale" scene, and many curatorial mishaps.
Two Egyptian novelists are shortlisted for the Arabic Booker.
Ramadan inspires stories–retellings and revelations (and some bad TV).
Lebanese superstar Fairouz's new album is released amid ongoing legal struggles over song rights, and protests from her fans. It is appropriately called "Yes, There is Still Hope."
The International Cairo Circus Festival imports troupes from all over the world to perform in Cairo's theaters, parks and streets. The popular shows seem, for a time, to take over the city entirely.
We said a sad goodbye to Egyptian artist Adli Rizkallah.
The ironically named group "Lawyers without Restrictions" threatens to ban "1,001 Nights," again.
Three outstanding performances: The Bussy Play reacts to censorship, the Egyptian Deaf and Mute Dance Company feels vibrations, and a choir rants at Townhouse.
