Far From the Nile is the latest documentary by Egyptian American filmmaker Sherief Elkatsha.
Winner of Best Non-Fiction Film Award at the 44th Cairo Film Festival, the Silver Award at the 12th Luxor African Film Festival, and an Exceptional Merit Award at the Doctor's Without Borders Film Festival.
Elkatsha follows 12 musicians from seven countries along the Nile River as they band together in an international coalition to fuse musical styles, rhythms, and languages in an attempt to highlight the water conflict along the river they share. As they leave their homes in Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sudan, Kenya, Burundi, and Uganda to embark on a 100-day tour of North America, the film captures the challenges of collaboration across cultural lines. Despite their vast cultural differences, musical styles and competing egos, the artists must find ways to create and remain united in their cause.
PRESS:
"A world-changing documentary"..."A must-watch for any and all, providing a road map for finding the way to bring together our ultra-divided, hyper chaotic world."
" Far From the Nile turns into a true masterpiece, in the possibilities for a peaceful understanding between cultures it presents. And how it manages to show that in order to come together as different civilizations, we don't need to give up our identity, rather strengthen it and reinforce all that makes us unique."
MIME - Moving Image Middle East
"Finding common cause and rhythm across language and culture is at the heart."
Variety
"Sherief Elkatsha has assembled a wholly entertaining, and often uplifting, documentary."..."The project is about finding common ground above all else, and watching the results flow is exhilarating."
Screen Daily
"Far From the Nile has broad appeal thanks to high octane personalities, joyful sounds, and the always amusing opportunity to see people trying to figure out American mores and privileges."
Film Verdict