Samia Forever (2003)

The second film in the "Regard sur le cinéma musical arabe" series is a heartfelt tribute to Samia Gamal, the star who dominated Egyptian musicals for over two decades, often called the "Marilyn Monroe" of her time. Using film clips, archival footage, and personal stories, the documentary explores Samia Gamal's life and rise to become a cinema legend and a defining figure in Oriental dance. Gamal herself once said dance felt natural. Yet, dedicating one's life to this art form was challenging, as Egyptian society has historically stigmatized its dancers, despite the deep cultural roots of Oriental dance.