The Noise of Cairo

Keizer is a street artist educating the masses about the latest corruption. He fears self-censorship is yet to be undone as "people have created their own prisons." Elsewhere in Cairo, street art is burgeoning in a joyful expression of freedom. "It's the first time that I walk past things like these that express happiness and contentment", an old man explains, smiling. Karima Mansour is a choreographer whose dance expresses the complexities of a society in which there are veiled women, "but we also have women like me. I am a dancer working with the body." She now wants access to state-run theatres, something forbidden to independent artists under the old regime.

Directed by Heiko Lange, The Noise of Cairo leans on a strong ensemble — Shady Abdelrahman, Ramy Essam — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 2013.