The Tentmakers of Cairo
For over three years we follow a community of artisans whose craft has remained largely unchanged since Pharaonic times. They try to make sense of Egypt’s recent history, as their hands stitch incredibly detailed designs. Contrasts exist not only in the scenes where the artworks clash with the dirt and grime of the street, but also in the social differences, wealth and political views.
Awards
Prix Buyens-Chagoll, Visions du Réel, Nyon, Switzerland, 2015; Margaret Mead Filmmaker Award, Margaret Mead Film Festival, New York, USA 2015; El Ray Award for Excellence in Documentary Narrative Filmmaking, Barcelona Film Festival, Spain, 2015.
Kim Beamish
Kim Beamish is an Australian filmmaker and director of independent film production company Non’D’Script. Kim had previously been living in Cairo, Egypt from 2012 – 2015 and is residing in Canberra, Australia. He studied at the Victorian College of the Arts, Film and Television School after having spent many years volunteering with community television station Channel 31 as well as working with Open Channel and Ska TV in Melbourne, Australia. In 2006, Kim co-produced the film Just Punishment about the fight to save Van Nguyen from execution for drug smuggling in Singapore. The film played a role in changing Singapore’s mandatory sentencing laws. Kim is presently researching new projects, one of which is about the effects of climate change on a small community in southern New South Wales, Australia.
Filmography
2015 – The Tentmakers of Cairo
2006 – Just Punishment
2001 – CommuniKation Guerillas