Meet the cast of The City

In the gripping film 'The City', we follow the journey of Ali, portrayed by Bassem Samra, an aspiring actor whose life is steeped in the struggles of navigating the harsh realities of his environment. Ali finds himself working at a government-subsidized butchery, a stark contrast to his dreams of being on the stage. Despite his passion for acting, he participates in a low-budget theatrical production that hardly gains any recognition. However, the glow of ambition continues to drive him, pushing against the confines of his father's conservative expectations for his future.

In a bold move demonstrating his determination, Ali makes the decision to relocate to Paris, a city that represents hope and opportunity for countless dreamers like him. Faced with the challenges of being an undocumented immigrant in a foreign land, Ali encounters a community of fellow Arabs who share similar aspirations and adversities. The vibrant yet chaotic life in Paris transforms him in ways he had yet to imagine—he experiences the ups and downs of life as an artist, the thrill of performing, and the heart-wrenching struggles of survival. This world outside of Egypt opens Ali's eyes and shapes his identity as he dives deeper into his craft, pushing boundaries he never thought possible.

Yet, Ali's journey in Paris is more than just about chasing his acting dream; it becomes a profound personal odyssey intertwined with memories that he will later reflect upon. As he grapples with the exhilarating highs of artistic expression, he also faces moments of heartache and loss that define his experience abroad. Upon returning to Egypt, the remnants of his time in Paris haunt him—muffled echoes of laughter, the scent of theater, and fleeting encounters with friends become part of his enigmatic past. As Ali attempts to reconcile his memories and define his future, he must confront not only his dreams but also the expectations of his father and the remnants of his old life, setting the stage for a powerful resolution that speaks to the heart of every artist's journey.