Filmmaker Statement

When I first came to London, I found her cultural diversity astonishing. It’s a city where, on any map, you can find a mosque right next to a church, right next to a synagogue, or even a Hindu temple. In a local restaurant, on any menu, you can find falafel right next to fish & chips, right next to a salt-beef sandwich, or even a curry. Back in Cairo, religion is the first and foremost thing that comes before any of your values, and clearly hinders the welcoming of diversity. In Egypt, the identity of Islam has been perverted by local politics and extremism. So, for me, it’s almost like a cultural shock — two different worlds colliding. The immigrant’s journey is a deeply personal story for me and for many other people around the world. The financial sacrifice, coupled with the cultural differences, intensifies the newcomer’s experience. It’s becoming increasingly more difficult for people to find a safe place to build a better future.