« Spring Comes in Laughing », directed by Noha Adel, to compete in international competition of Cairo International Film Festival, in its world premiere, as the only Egyptian film participating in the competition.
The film unfolds during the spring season, celebrated for its unique character, and explores four interwoven stories filled with secrets, anger, sorrow, and concealed tears beneath the surface of apparent laughter. However, as the vibrant blossoms begin to fade, an unforeseen autumn arrives, bringing the stories to a close.
The film represents a significant leap of faith, embarking on a journey to bring together a series of fragmented short stories that have lingered in my mind since late 2019,” expressed Noha Adel. She continued, “With eyes wide open, I felt an undeniable urge to share and narrate these stories, not yet knowing how they could come together as a cohesive bouquet of spring blossoms in my debut feature film.” She added, “I came to realize how deeply spring influenced my creative vision, helping me see the subtle links and common threads among my stories. I was never drawn in by the superficial image of spring’s cheerful façade; for me, spring is a season full of stark contrasts, sudden sandstorms, unpredictable weather, and hidden truths that tears reveal.” “I am grateful for spring’s inspiration in guiding me to write and direct this film. Throughout this project, I uncover the true reasons behind my selection of these five particular stories, understanding their essence and relevance as I progress. Each tale in this collection reflects the intricate patterns woven by the enigmatic nature of spring—unique stories that I have seen, heard, or perhaps even experienced firsthand (though I’d never admit it).” she continued, discussing her film’s entry in the international competition. She mentioned that she stumbled upon each story by chance during an imagined spring season, embodying her dark philosophy, eloquently captured in Salah Jahin’s poignant quatrain: « Spring came on laughing, but finds me sorrowful, Spring calls my name, but I remain silent, Spring lays its flowers beside me, But what good are spring flowers to the dead? »
She highlighted that each story depicted in the film draws inspiration from classic Egyptian poetry, timeless music, and the unique beauty of the country’s landscapes. This work represents her visual and auditory interpretation of the season, developed over a four-month journey with a definitive conclusion, without intentionally adding feminist undertones. Instead, the film naturally gravitates toward the lives and narratives of women, portrayed from a complex and nuanced perspective. « It was essential for this film to be seen through the eyes and minds of women, and I am grateful to have brought together an incredible team of talented women who contributed to producing, acting, assisting, filming, and editing this film, » she concluded, dedicating the project to these remarkable women.
Film producer Kawthar Younis shared insights into the behind-the-scenes journey of the project, stating: « From the outset, I was deeply inspired by Noha Adel’s unwavering determination to realize this project. Despite numerous obstacles, I was driven by her fearless pursuit of her passion and vision. Witnessing her resilience and commitment solidified my dedication to the film and reinforced my belief in her talent and storytelling potential, motivating me to take on the role of producer. Collaborating with such a persistent director was truly an honor. » She continued: The film explores the unpredictability of life and strips away societal expectations to uncover hidden complexities through dark humor and layered narratives. It challenges conventional ideas of happiness, revealing a network of intertwined human emotions. « Our aim is to create a platform for women’s voices, highlighting the hidden emotions beneath the cheerful façade of spring and confronting the marginalization of their stories in a world that often overlooks them. »
“Our commitment to creating a women-centered project goes beyond the screen, extending to our entire team behind the scenes who worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life,” she said. “With a deep understanding of the complexities of the female experience, we are dedicated to crafting authentic and relatable characters for audiences. By spotlighting these stories, we aim to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable representation in the industry. We are excited to share this film with audiences, inviting them to join in a journey filled with discovery, laughter, and introspection that celebrates the strength, resilience, and unique perspectives of women. Our goal is to make a meaningful impact and foster a more inclusive film industry through the exploration of complex emotions.”
“The film uncovers a shared thread of vulnerability and contradiction that connects us all,” the producer concluded. “By recognizing these realities, we aspire to promote understanding and empathy, ultimately contributing to a more compassionate and inclusive society. Being part of a project that transcends borders, challenges perceptions, and offers a fresh take on human experience is a rare privilege. We hope ‘Spring Came on Laughing’ sparks conversations, stirs emotions, and leaves a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.”
The film is written and directed by Noha Adel, produced by Kawthar Younis and Ahmed Youssef, co-produced by Laura Nikoloff, Samar Hindawi, and Sandro Kanaan, cinematography by Sara Yehia, editing by Sara Abdallah, voice recording by Mustafa Shaaban, sound mixing by Ahmed Abu El Saad, color by Sami Nassar and Ahmed Shafei, set designer Salma Taymour, costume designer Mushira Al Faham, executive director Maysoun Al Masry, and credits editing by Marcus Aryan.
The film stars Sally Abdo, Mokhtar Younis, Rehab Annan, Reem Al-Akkad, Carole Akkad, Mona Al-Nammouri, Wissam Salah, and Roka Yasser. Director Noha Adel was born in 1975. She is a screenwriter and film director who graduated from the English Department at Cairo University. With a background in learning and development, she pursued her passion for cinema by attending a three-month “Basics of Directing” workshop in 2017. Her graduation project, the short film “Into reverse”, was screened at Dubai International Film Festival. In 2020, she wrote and directed her second short film “Once Upon a Time in the Cafe”. Both films achieved acclaim, participating in several prestigious international and local film festivals and winning several awards.
Cairo International Film Festival is one of the oldest and most regular festivals in the Arab world and Africa, as it is the only festival in the Arab and African region registered with International Federation of Producers Associations in Brussels “FIAPF”.
