The Night of Counting the Years

The Night of Counting the Years, also known as Al-Mummia in Arabic and internationally titled The Mummy, is a revered cinematic piece in Egyptian and world cinema. Directed by Shadi Abdel Salam in 1969, this film is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Arab cinema and is celebrated for its profound thematic content, striking visuals, and contemplative narrative style. Starring renowned actors such as Ahmed Marei, Ahmad Hegazi, and Nadia Lutfi, the movie casts a haunting portrayal of identity, history, and cultural heritage.

Set in the late 19th century, the film is deeply anchored in actual historical events surrounding the discovery of a cache of Pharaonic mummies by the indigenous tribespeople of a remote Upper Egyptian community. At the heart of this narrative is the antagonist of colonial exploitation, the illicit trade of priceless antiquities, and the ethical dilemmas faced by the community grappling with these discoveries.

Ahmed Marei plays the central character, a young man named Wanis who finds himself in the throes of a profound moral conflict. In the wake of his father's death, who was the chief of the local tribe, Wanis learns of the family secret that his tribe, for generations, has been looting tombs from the nearby Pharaonic burial grounds of the Mountain of the Dead. This secret has ensured the tribe's economic survival but at the expense of desecrating the historical legacy of their ancestors.

The film dives into Wanis' internal struggle as he confronts his loyalties to his tribe, his ethical compass, and his own sense of self. Compounded by the encroaching threat of government representation and foreign archaeologists who aim to excavate and preserve Egypt's ancient artifacts, Wanis is torn between upholding the tradition of his forefathers and preserving the sanctity of Egyptian history. This dilemma is powerfully represented as he wrestles with whether to protect his tribe's secret or to expose the truth and end generations of sacrilege.

Ahmad Hegazi portrays Wanis' brother, who represents an opposing force within the tribal community, displaying a stark contrast to Wanis' more sensitive disposition. Hegazi's character is less conflicted about the tradition of tomb raiding and more concerned about the immediate well-being and livelihood of the tribe, reflecting an alternative perspective on the issue at the core of the plot.

Nadia Lutfi's character is a striking contrast amidst the largely male-dominated cast, offering a softer lens through which to view the unfolding drama. Her role, though limited in screen time, provides critical commentary on the influence of external forces and the multifaceted relationships between individuals, their heritage, and the encompassing political dynamics.

Visually, The Night of Counting the Years is a feast for the eyes, shot in vivid Eastmancolor with remarkable attention to authenticity in setting, costume, and design. Cinematographer Abdel Aziz Fahmy skillfully captures the stark, haunting beauty of the Egyptian landscape, with wide panoramic shots of the desert and close-ups that convey the emotional turmoil of the characters. The composition of each frame is meticulously crafted, with the costumes and meticulous art direction contributing to the immersive realism of the period.

The movie's score, composed by the talented Italian composer Mario Nascimbene, adds a rich layer to the film's atmospheric quality. The music complements the narrative's pace, heightening the emotional resonance of key scenes and evoking an almost transcendental connection with Egypt's ancient past.

One of the movie's defining qualities is its pace and storytelling style, which is contemplative and almost dreamlike. The Night of Counting the Years moves with a poetic rhythm, relying less on dialogue and more on visual storytelling to unveil its complex themes. The characters' inner conflicts are often expressed in their silent interactions with their environment and the ancient relics they strive to protect.

Shadi Abdel Salam, in his directorial debut, presents a film not just rich with historical context but also endowed with an existential reflection on the preservation of cultural identity in the face of inevitable change. The Night of Counting the Years is a testimony to the rich tapestry of Egyptian identity and the eternal struggle between the past and present, the living and the dead.

Critically acclaimed and lauded for its profound thematic exploration and visual storytelling, The Night of Counting the Years is a timeless piece that continues to resonate with audiences well into the 21st century. It stands as an elegiac homage to Egypt's glorious past and a solemn reminder of the universal and ever-pertinent conversation surrounding cultural heritage and ethical responsibility.