Rabiah Al-Adawiyah - رابعة العدوية

In this lavish religious historical drama directed by Niazi Mustafa, Rabiah Al-Adawiyah (played by Nabila Ebid) is a mystic from Basra who escapes a life of slavery. The film tells of her flight from Basra, her enslavement and then her meeting with the Sufi leader Thawban, who helps her find peace and fulfillment. Though she does not appear onscreen, the film features voice-over poems and songs performed by Umm Kulthum. The film stars several of the leading talents of the era, including actors Farid Shawqy, Imad Hamdy, Hussein Reyad and Abdullah Ghaith.

The image of a sad and searching Nabila is prominent, above images of the lead actors, in their roles as lords who enslave Nabila and the Sufi leader Thawban. A harem dancer in orange and a monochrome of the harem itself depict scenes from the film. The use of color is bold and attractive, and the titles provide a complex counterpoint, rendered in contrasting blue and white in a Kufic calligraphy style that resembles early Islamic fonts.

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