The competition section of 15th IFFK witnessed a strong representation of Egyptian film as Ahmmad Abdalla’s “Heliopolis” was screened at Sreekumar. The film unravels the consternation stricken life of five people who are weary of hectic life in the city of Heliopolis.

The film goes through the life of a doctor, a student, two lady receptionists, a couple and a soldier. The hectic life of the city takes a great toll on the life of the people.

Their simple needs and frustrations are neatly projected. The needs of the characters are worthy but the aspirations couldn’t be completed. The doctor wishes to sell his property to a couple to whom he had only communicated through telephone. But they fail to get back to the doctor due to their personal mishappenings. The meetings are postponed regularly. The mental disturbances and the emotional nuisances of the couples are well portrayed. The solitary security guard who is posted at the barrack has a zombie appearance which is later derailed by his attachment with a street dog. The whole film narrates the life and it’s complexities which man has to endure and is aggravated by the hectic life of the city dwellers.

Being the first film in the competition segment, Heliopolis has grabbed the attention of the audience. The film is devoid of jargon film language and complex scene involment. From the response of the audience, it is almost clear that the fest will witness a stiff competition for sure.