The crusades come to life in Egyptian artist Wael Shawky’s beautiful Cabaret Crusades. Inspired by the writings of Lebanese writer Amin Maalouf, Shawky’s film trilogy explores the horrors of the medieval holy wars in the Middle-East – from an Arab perspective. With a cast made up entirely of puppets, the third part, The Secrets of Karbala (2014), centres on the period between the 7th and 12th centuries, covering the crusades as well as a dispute between two Islamic sects. Beautifully made of handblown Murano glass, the puppets have amazing expressive power, making the scenes full of violence, repression and torture all the more awe-inspiring.

The crusades come to life in Egyptian artist Wael Shawky’s beautiful Cabaret Crusades. Inspired by the writings of Lebanese writer Amin Maalouf, Shawky’s film trilogy explores the horrors of the medieval holy wars in the Middle-East – from an Arab perspective. With a cast made up entirely of puppets, the third part, The Secrets of Karbala (2014), centres on the period between the 7th and 12th centuries, covering the crusades as well as a dispute between two Islamic sects. Beautifully made of handblown Murano glass, the puppets have amazing expressive power, making the scenes full of violence, repression and torture all the more awe-inspiring.

Ahmed Zaki plays a peasant, Mountasir, who gets involved in a criminal racket run by his friend Midhat. Mountasir is betrayed by Midhat and goes to jail. Upon discovering that his wife was forced into prostitution by Midhat, he swears to extract revenge when he leaves jail.

Al-Dakhakhani lives in Al-Jamaliya quarter, and he doesn't want his inheritance to go to his four daughters' husbands. Especially when his only son suffers from mental illness. He thinks of marrying his son to Eashrya, who he stole her property. She agrees provided that he returns her property.

Directed by: Jalal Al Sharqawi (Director)

Faraj al-Aktaa conspires with the Israeli enemy to get rid of the resistance men in Suez. Hassan, the only survivor, is accused of betraying the group and is sentenced to prison,while the daughter of the resistance leader is looking for her father's killer, and Hassan comes out of prison to avenge.