Impact Days Catalogue
By Nada Riyadh and Ayman El Amir

The Brink of Dreams

Les Filles du Nil

In a small, isolated, and conservative Coptic community in southern Egypt, five teenage girls break with tradition to form an all-female street theatre troupe. Aspiring to be actresses, dancers, or singers, they challenge their families and neighbours with provocative performances. Filmed over four years, The Brink of Dreams portrays these young women’s transition to adulthood, capturing their hopes and fears while underscoring the gender inequalities they endure. In a blatantly patriarchal environment where their futures often mean early marriage and domestic labour, these teenagers carve out a rare space of freedom through art.

AWARD: L’Œil d’or – The Documentary Award, Tie at the Cannes Film Festival 2024.

Theatrical release 02.04.25

Section : Competition - Creative Documentaries
Country : Egypt, France, Denmark, Qatar, Saudi Arabia
Original language : Arabic
Subtitles : English, French
Directors
Nada Riyadh (Egypt)
Ayman El Amir (Egypt / Egypt)
Producers
Felucca Films
Dolce Vita Films
Photographie
Dina El Zeneiny
Ahmed Ismail
Ayman El Amir (Egypt)
Editing
Véronique Lagoarde Segot
Ahmed Magdy
Nada Riyadh (Egypt)
Ayman El Amir (Egypt)
Music
Ahmad El Sawy
Son
Moustafa Shaaban
Lama Sawaya
World Sales
The Party Film Sales
Duration
104’
Completion
2024