Film 1958
Cairo Station
Desire and working life at a crowded Egyptian railway station.
- Country collection
- Egypt
- Original title
- باب الحديد
- Director
- Youssef Chahine
- Year
- 1958
Editorial profile. Availability on LAREINE TV has not been confirmed.
Story, without spoilers
Newspaper seller Qinawi becomes attached to Hanuma, who sells drinks at Cairo’s station. She plans a future with porter Abu Serih. Around their uneasy relationship, workers try to organise and protect their livelihoods. Attraction and frustration gradually turn the busy public space into a place of danger.
Context & recognition
Youssef Chahine directs and acts in this 1958 Egyptian drama. The station connects a psychological story with labour and social tensions. BFI records differ on runtime, so no single duration is asserted here.
Main characters
Qinawi
A newspaper seller drawn to Hanuma.
Hanuma
A drinks seller planning her future.
Abu Serih
A porter seeking better conditions for workers.