Driving an Arab Street 2002
Distributed by Arab Film Distribution, 10035 35th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98125; 206-322-0882
Produced by Arthur Hurley, Cyrille Joye
Directed by Arthur Hurley
VHS, color, 39 min.
Jr. High - Adult
International Relations, Middle Eastern Studies, Multicultural Studies, Political Science
Date Entered: 06/18/2004
Reviewed by Brad Eden, Ph.D., Head, Web and Digitization Services, University Libraries, University of Nevada, Las VegasThis video takes the viewer on a journey through the streets of Cairo, Egypt, where the filmmaker follows Egyptian taxi drivers and has them share their diverse opinions and perspectives on American and Egyptian society, politics, culture, and the contemporary relations between these two cultures. 90% of cab drivers in Cairo have college degrees; most of them work full-time jobs during the day or evening, and drive a cab at other times. Most hold multiple jobs or are students. Holding two or more jobs is the only way that most Egyptians can make a decent living, and cab driving is one of the more lucrative part-time jobs for many. The cab drivers make interesting comments on American and Egyptian politics, as well as Israeli and Palestinian conflicts, while navigating the busy and treacherous streets of Cairo.
The film is in Arabic with English subtitles. At times the video cuts into two separate screens, in order to show two different interviews going on at once; while this is visually interesting, it is difficult for most people to read two different subtitles going across the screen. An interesting video on Middle Eastern opinions and perspectives concerning American society.