Apoleon

Ajyal Film Festival 2024

Ajyal Film Festival 2024

Apoleon

Ajyal Competition - Ajyal Film Festival 2024

Amir Yacob / Egypt, France / 2024 / 15 min / Colour / DCP / In Arabic, French / Arabic, English subtitles
Themes:
Rated: Mature subject matter. May not be suitable for minors. Individuals under the age of 15 are not admitted into cinemas

This film is screening as part of Matters of the Mind – Short Films Programme (15+). For ticket information click here.



Description

In ‘Apoleon’, Egyptian artist Amir Youssef reimagines Napoleon’s campaign to Egypt through the eyes of figurines from a museum diorama. As they journey through a surreal landscape, they confront the broken nose of the Sphinx, symbolising the fractures of history. The film blends humour and critique, addressing the lingering impacts of colonisation and challenging traditional historical narratives. Through creative visual storytelling, this compelling short invites viewers to reconsider history from a decolonial perspective.

Director

Amir Yacob

Amir Youssef is an Egyptian visual artist and filmmaker known for his interdisciplinary approach, incorporating robotics, media archaeology, and video into his work. He studied at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Alexandria and the École supérieure d’art d’Aix-en-Provence. Youssef’s practice focuses on reinterpreting historical narratives through art, often critiquing colonial legacies. His latest film, ‘Apoleon’, is a creative fusion of art and history, challenging the traditional understanding of Napoleon's campaign.

Credits

Screenwriter
AMIR YOUSSEF
Producer
Alain Fleischer
Cinematographer
ALAN GUICHAOUA
Editor
Amir Youssef, Leo Guillaume, Perch Women, Valentine Gelin
Music
AHMED SALEH
Cast
Amir Youssef, Leo Guillaume, Perch Women, Valentine Gelin