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THE WEEK IN REVIEW

A whole lot of economic updates and downgrades + Presidential nominees rolled in

Good morning, friends. We hope your second consecutive long weekend — but the last one of 2024 — is so far getting off to a relaxing and enjoyable start. Despite the brevity of the week, we were dealt a slew of news and updates.

…BEFORE WE GET UNDERWAY, A MEA CULPA- In last week’s Enterprise Guide, we had the incorrect link for the LinkedIn profile of Iman Mostafa, founder of Hazel Farm. We’ve updated the story with the correct link in our web edition, and we apologize for the error.

Spending long hours at your desk has a myriad of downsides, making it important to make conscious decisions to counteract a sedentary lifestyle. This weekend, we bring you a guide on how to make your office space work for you and help you start moving out of your chair to make you more productive and improve your well-being.

Enterprise Weekend comes out each Friday at 9:00am CLT. We’ll be back on Sunday at 6am with EnterpriseAM. Until then: Enjoy the weekend.

LAST WEEK IN 3 MINS-

We had a macro-heavy news week with mounting pressure from external debt obligations and the FX crunch dimming international financing institutions and ratings agencies' expectations of Egypt’s economic performance next year. A handful of privatization updates, some investment news, and preparations for December's presidential elections have also kept us busy.

ECONOMY-

#1- EBRD cut its 2024 Egypt growth forecast: The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) cut its Egypt growth forecast for 2024 by 0.7 percentage points to 4.5%.

#2- Morgan Stanley adopted a negative outlook on our debt due to concerns about our financing gap and uncertainty about how we’ll roll out reforms required by our USD 3 bn agreement with the IMF.

#3- Italy’s Intesa Sanpaolo cut its 2023 and 2024 growth forecasts for Egypt due to the country’s ongoing economic crisis. The lender now expects the economy to grow at a 3.4% clip this year, down from its 4.1% forecast in June, and 3.9% in 2024, down from 5.5%.

#4- Contraction in Egypt’s non-oil private sector deepened in September as the impact of successive currency devaluations caused a sharp fall in output, according to S&P Global’s latest PMI figures. The index slipped to a four-month low of 48.7 from 49.2 in August .

#5- We’re going to have to repay almost a fifth of our total external debt obligations in 2024 alone. Egypt will likely have to spend USD 29.2 bn on debt repayments in 2024 — USD 10 bn more than our expected debt servicing bill for this year and over USD 1 bn more than we previously expected.

#6- Egypt’s net foreign asset position improved marginally in August to negative USD 25.9 bn from negative USD 26.3 bn the previous month. This marks the second consecutive month that net foreign liabilities have fallen after reaching a record high of USD 27.1 bn in June.

#7- Egyptian and Emirati central banks reached a currency swap agreement worth almost USD 1.4 bn. The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) will be able to obtain up to AED 5 bn (USD 1.36 bn) in exchange for EGP 42 bn under the agreement.

ELECTIONS 2023-

#1- El Sisi will seek a third term in office: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi announced his candidacy for December’s presidential election on Monday on the final day of the “Story of a Homeland” conference.

Three other candidates are almost in the race: The Al Wafd Party’s Abdel Sanad Yamama, the Egyptian Social Democratic Party’s Farid Zahran, and the Republican People’s Party Hazem Omar, all secured the required endorsements from members of Parliament earlier this week.

And two others are awaiting qualification: Former MP Ahmed Tantawi and head of the Dostour Party Gameela Ismail are also trying to collect signatures to get onto the ballot.

PRIVATIZATION WATCH-

#1- Midar could go up for an EGX listing in 1H 2024: The Sovereign Fund of Egypt (SFE) is reportedly preparing to list state-owned real estate firm Midar on the EGX in 1H 2024. Earlier this year, the SFE added Midar to its pre-IPO fund. It was previously reported in July that the SFE could offer 25-30% of the company to a strategic investor before eventually taking it public on the EGX.

…Banque Misr and the NIB could be letting go of their stakes: Banque Misr and the National Investment Bank — which together own almost 75% of the company — could be fully exiting Midar, leaving Banque Misr’s investment arm Misr Capital (5.65%), the National Bank of Egypt (8.9%) and Arab Contractors (10.94%) as the remaining shareholders.

#2- Another plastics manufacturer could be up for grabs: The government is looking to offload 10-15% of its 22% stake in state-owned thermoplastic producer Egyptian Propylene and Polypropylene (EPP) to a foreign investor. An unnamed privately-owned Saudi company has reportedly expressed interest in acquiring shares.

INVESTMENT WATCH-

#1- FDI inflows were up 10% y-o-y in FY 2022-2023, General Authority for Freezones and Investment (GAFI) CEO Hossam Heiba said. While no exact figures were provided, based on our math, a 10% uptick should put us around USD 9.8 bn.

#2- We have a USD 350 mn Chinese waste recycling project on the horizon: A Chinese recycling company is in talks with GAFI to launch a recycling project with an investment of up to USD 350 mn.

DEBT WATCH-

#1- The Export-Import Bank of China is lending Egypt USD 400 mn to finance the third phase of the electric light rail train (LRT). The loan would finance completion of the delayed project.

#2- Edita is getting USD 45 mn from the IFC: The International Finance Corporation (IFC) signed off on a USD 45 mn loan to baked goods producer Edita Food Industries to finance regional and domestic growth.

#3- Contact Financial Holding closed a EGP 1.5 bn securitized bond issuance for subsidiaries in its consumer finance portfolio, including Contact Credit.

#4- Al Ahly Capital Holding’s microfinance arm raised EGP 707 mn in a securitized bond issuance. Al Ahly Pharos Investment Banking said that the bond was backed by a EGP 787 mn portfolio from Al Ahly Tamkeen Microfinance and issued by Al Ahly Securitization Company.

OVER IN PARLIAMENT-

#1- The House is back in session… The House of Representatives reconvened on Sunday for its fall legislative session where it is set to discuss a raft of new government-drafted laws that include raising the minimum wage-tax exemption and extending the expat car import initiative.

…as is the Senate: Senators reconvened on Tuesday after the two-month summer recess with committee elections top of the agenda.

#2- House committee election results are already in: The pro-government Mostaqbal Watan party dominated proceedings, securing the leadership of a bulk of the chamber’s 25 committees.

WHAT’S HAPPENING NEXT WEEK-

Capmas and the CBE will publish last month’s inflation data next Tuesday, 10 October. Annual urban inflation has been accelerating for the past several months, hitting an all time high of 37.4% in August.

The government is also set to announce new measures aimed at curbing soaring prices of basic goods next week. “We will work together to ensure that there is an abundance of various commodities in the markets, which will contribute to lower prices, especially food commodities,” Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly said following a meeting with officials last week.

Also happening next week :

  • Arab Savings and Financial Literacy Conference will run 10-12 October (Tuesday-Thursday) at the St Regis Hotel, Nile corniche.
  • Ceramica Expo will run between 10-12 October (Tuesday-Thursday) at the Cairo International Convention Center.
  • The Egyptian-Italian Business Forum will take place 11-12 October at the Marriott Mena House.

Check out our full calendar on the web for a comprehensive listing of upcoming news events, national holidays and news triggers.

YOUR MOST CLICKED LINKS-

  • The Central Bank of Egypt’s latest external position report detailing our current debt situation reeled in a lot of interest. (CBE statement — pdf)
  • Morgan Stanely kind of unliking us on Bloomberg was widely read. (Bloomberg)
  • Our story about Egypt’s challenging debt repayment schedule also attracted a lot of readers. (Enterprise)
  • On a related note, many of you were curious about the currency swap with the UAE agreed between the two countries’ central banks. (Statement)
  • McKinsey’s presentation “What every CEO should know about Generative AI” received plenty of love. (Presentation — pdf)

AROUND THE WORLD IN SEVEN DAYS-

US House Speaker McCarthy’s ouster this week saw wide coverage by Western news outlets: The US House of Representatives voted to remove House speaker Kevin McCarthy from his position. The historic vote came in retaliation for his brief alliance with house Democrats to pass legislation that would prevent a government shutdown on Saturday. McCarthy has now become the first US House speaker to be removed.

The Nobel Prize in Physics awarded to scientists who uncovered novel method of studying atoms made the rounds: Scientists Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz and Anne L'Huillier were awarded the Nobel Prize in physics this year after successfully conducting experiments using extremely short pulses of light that paves the way for more accurate study of electrons. The bursts of light used by the group each lasted an attosecond, which is one quintillionth of a second, and allows scientists to better observe the movement of electrons inside atoms.

Sam Bankman Fried’s first court hearing in New York also got some attention: Former crypto currency mogul Sam Bankman Fried’s fraud and conspiracy trial kicked off in Manhattan earlier this week. Bankman-Fried, who was behind cryptocurrency exchange FTX, is facing trial for charges related to the sudden collapse of FTX last year.

THE WEATHER THIS WEEKEND- Friday will have more cloudy weather with a high of 32°C and a low of 25°C. On Saturday we can expect much of the same but with the mercury dropping to 24°C at night.

HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND-

Learn how to translate sketches into a visual journal at an illustration workshop with Keem The Kid at Cocoon Cultural Center every Tuesday, 7-10pm, and Saturday, 3-6pm, from 7-21 October. Sign up using this link.

HAPPENING NEXT WEEKEND-

T he Garden Market is coming up with music, local brands, handcrafted goods, fresh farm products and vintage finds at Merryland Parkon Friday, 13 October.

Swiss Club is celebrating Oktoberfest on Friday, 13 October. To RSVP, check their Facebook page for more information.

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THE ENTERPRISE GUIDE

Combat desk-related body pains by working out in the office

NOT A GYM BUNNY OR DON’T HAVE TIME FOR FULL WORKOUTS? Don’t fret — working out shouldn’t feel like a chore. Many of us work office jobs that leave us sitting at (or, if we’re being honest, hunched over) our desks for long hours without paying enough attention to our physical and mental well-being until something cracks. This grind can push health to the backseat and leads to sedentary habits and a decline in our overall fitness.

WHY MOVEMENT MATTERS- Sitting for prolonged periods can have negative effects on your physical well-being, such as weight gain, muscle weakness, inflammation, and the risk of chronic diseases. Regular exercise helps combat these issues, and by prioritizing physical fitness, you can prevent these complications that may affect your ability to perform well at work as well as life.

SITTING ALL DAY CAN PROMOTE DEMENTIA - Researchers found that a highly sedentary lifestyle can cancel out some benefits of exercise, according to this study. The researchers focused on 49,841 men and women aged 60 and above, and concluded that consistent movement is imperative to fight this debilitating disease.

#1- PRODUCTIVITY- Regular exercise has been shown to boost cognitive function, enhance focus, and improve memory and learning abilities. Breaking a sweat actually increases blood flow to the brain, promoting mental clarity and creativity. This will help improve your overall productivity and efficiency in the office.

#2- LESS STRESS + ANXIETY- Exercising releases endorphins, your “feel-good” hormones, in turn, reducing stress levels and easing anxiety. It also provides a healthy outlet for stress and helps you maintain a positive mindset, making it easier to manage work-related pressure and challenges.

#3- MORE ENERGY- It’ll help improve cardiovascular fitness, lung capacity, and overall stamina. Doing so will enhance your body’s efficiency in delivering oxygen and nutrients to your tissues, including those in your brain. In turn, with more energy you will be able to focus more throughout your workday.

DISCLAIMER- If you suffer from any injuries or health issues be sure to consult with a training professional or medical practitioner — such as a doctor or physical therapist — to make sure these workouts are suitable for you and which alternatives you can do to perform them.

USE YOUR OFFICE / HOME OFFICE TO WORKOUT- With our guide you can take advantage of the space already at your disposal to improve your physical fitness. Here are a few workouts by Zahwa Farouk, a personal trainer and nutritionist, that can be done anywhere, even from your desk.

A QUICK WORD OF ADVICE- Maybe don’t bust out these moves in the middle of a meeting, and consider giving your coworkers a heads up if you share an open floor plan.

THE WORKOUTS- To find out which muscle groups are doing the hard work, we checked with Sherifa Sabry, a consultant physical therapist (LinkedIn) for her insight. Aside from the muscle groups activated, she highlights the importance of safety and breathing properly to enhance the workout. She also stressed the importance of gently warming up and engaging your core muscles to help protect against any injury.

#1- WALKING - Get your steps in and a serotonin boost by holding off on that delivery order. Rather, go get it yourself by walking to a cafe that is at least 10 minutes away to ensure that you can squeeze in 20 minutes of activity. Walking is also a moderate enough activity that you can take advantage of that time to catch up on calls.

MUSCLE GROUP ACTIVATED- Aside from your quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and lower glutes your chest and arm muscles will also be getting some action. Want to extend your walk? You’ll be getting more cardiovascular activity, as well, Sabry tells us.

#2- JUMPING JACKS- Every time you get up from your desk, spare a minute to do 15 jumping jacks. If you’re shy, do it in the bathroom. Repeating twice or more is even more beneficial.

MODIFICATIONS-

  • STEP JACKS- The jumping jack’s more gentle brother involves taking side steps with one foot while raising your arms above your head, just as you would with jumping jacks and bringing your foot and your arms back (down to your side) to the starting position. Doing the same thing on the other side for 10 to 20 repetitions will get your body warmed up.
  • SEATED JUMPING JACKS- An even gentler version starts by sitting on a hard chair, then opening one leg with both arms above your head simultaneously. Continue by repeating the same movement on the other side and aim for 10 to 20 repetitions per leg.

MUSCLES GROUP ACTIVATED- Full body, and it will definitely get your heart rate up (and make a lot of noise).

#3- FLUTTER KICKS- While sitting on your chair, use your arms for support as you train your core muscles and raise your legs off the floor at 90 degrees simultaneously, and make small flutter kicks in the air without touching the floor. Aim for 10-20 kicks.

MODIFICATION- Just don’t raise your legs too high. In fact, you can do low flutter kicks while lying on the floor (if that meeting room is available), but lift one leg at a time to meet the other one.

MUSCLE GROUP ACTIVATED- Abdominal and oblique muscles will not be the only ones working: Expect your lats, triceps, quadriceps, hip flexors, hip adductors, hamstrings and the entire lower leg muscle group to be engaged.

#4- PUSH UPS- If you have your own desk, you’re in luck; if not, then the bathroom is your friend. You can do some wall push ups if getting a quieter space isn’t an option.

MODIFICATIONS-

DESK OR SOFA PUSH-UP- You can use the desk or the back of a couch as support as you lift and lower. If on a desk, settle your hands on one edge of the desk with elbows straight. Have your body at an angle to the desk with a straight back, and extend your knees as you lift your heels off of the floor. If you feel you could slip, take your shoes and socks off (check for onlookers). Try a set of 10-12 repetitions to feel the burn.

MUSCLES GROUP ACTIVATED- Muscles getting some action will include your neck muscles, back extensors, and glutes. Also, your abdominals, quadriceps, hamstrings, hip adductors and lower leg muscles will be working, too, along with your core muscles.

#5- SQUATS- Sitting on a chair takes a toll on your back. However, squats will strengthen your quads and glutes while engaging the abdomen, all in one go. You can try going for five squats every time one of your colleagues gets a phone call (you may find yourself at it all day).

MODIFICATION-

CHAIR SQUATS- If you’re cleared for squats, try squatting and sitting on a chair and then lifting again to repeat. You can also use a wall in front of you or rail for support. If you have an office sofa chair, try those as they are lower and can still provide you with some support as you dip.

MUSCLE GROUP ACTIVATED- Here your core, glutes and hip adductors will be getting some activity.

#6- STAIRS- Skip the elevator to reach your floor. If your office is at a higher level, climb up one to two flights of stairs for a workout, then take an elevator, Sabry says.

MODIFICATION-

IF YOU HAVE (A) BAD KNEE(S) OR LIMITED TIME- Put two hard cover books above each other against a wall or a table. Take off your shoes and step up on those books, one leg at a time. Try going for 20 to 30 steps per leg.

MUSCLE GROUP ACTIVATED- Quadriceps, hamstrings, back extensors, arms, chest, and your cardiovascular system.

This publication is proudly sponsored by

From OUR FAMILY to YOURS
From OUR FAMILY to YOURS
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WHAT ARE YOU UP TO THIS WEEKEND?

Is The Creator this generation’s Terminator? + Take your loved ones to Lavender this weekend

📽 AT THE MOVIES-

The Creator is the Man v AI showdown we didn’t know we wanted. Sci-fi veteran Gareth Edwards, known for the tumultuous but brilliant Rogue One, was destined to make this movie. After reports of incessant studio interference, tense creative differences, and numerous reshoots in the making of the Star Wars prequel, the director was given full creative reign to fulfill his vision in The Creator (watch trailer, runtime: 2:36). He uses it to deliver a concept-forward, expectation-subverting Man v AI thriller — one of the most original and thoughtful sci-fi films in recent years.

The true brilliance of The Creator is the world-building. It is set in a world where AI has effectively become a pillar of society, existing peacefully alongside people for decades… until it detonates a nuclear bomb in the middle of Los Angeles. This is the catalyst behind our protagonist, Joshua (John David Washington), being forced to join a team searching for a weapon developed by the mysterious Creator. At times, parts of the plot and the relationships between the characters feel rushed, as most of the film is dedicated to creating a believable and comprehensive vision of the future. However, the film is still a stunning feat of the genre as a whole and evidence of Edward’s skill as a visual storyteller.

Does “original” sci-fi even really exist anymore? It’s difficult to come up with a dystopian future when our technology has seemingly caught up with the boundaries of human imagination. At the very least, sci-fi concepts have become regurgitated forms of already existing IP, whether from books or video games. But once in a while, a novel idea is born, and The Creator is the proof. Unfortunately, like many of its predecessors, it struggles to strike the balance between storytelling and character development.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can find The Creator in VOX Cinemas at City Center Almaza and Mall of Egypt, Citystars Stars Cinemas, and Cairo Festival City Galaxy theaters.


Playing in Zawya tomorrow is Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel (watch trailer, runtime: 2:25).This 2014 masterpiece, that despite nearly aging a decade, is timeless: The film’s set, choreographed movement and performances by the actors make it an instant classic favorite that fans of the director would happily go back to again and again. Many a film critic has noted it to be Anderson’s opus, since all the director’s trademark elements seem to be perfected — from his eccentric characters to the immaculate cinematography and unusual plot.

It begins as a third person narrative, where an author (unnamed) is reading pages from his most popular novel “The Grand Budapest Hotel” which is inspired by a chance dinner he had with Zero Mustafa (F. Murray Abraham/ Tony Revolori), who used to work in the hotel and retells how he came into his fortune. Mustafa speaks fondly of Gustave H. (Ralph Fiennes), the suave and impeccable concierge of The Grand Budapest Hotel who comes into a painting left to him by Madame D. (Tilda Swinton), a dowager who, like many others, had an affair with Gustave. However, Dmitri (Adrien Brody), Madame D’s son, tries to frame Gustave as his mother’s murderer to get his hands on the painting, and as anticipated, trouble and mischief ensue as an ensemble of characters come together to ensure that Gustave is innocent.

The cinematography is an organic character in itself, with Anderson’s experience at the keel he uses all the tools in his shed to engross the viewer. As they return back to the 1930s, so does the hotel, into a set that is akin to the European like Hollywood sets. Panoramic aspect ratios change three times to symbolize three different time periods. Another key feature is the color palette that is astonishingly pronounced and performances by the lead actors that don’t miss. Overall, the film feels more fantastical than cinematic, eerily akin to reading a storybook and playing it as a reel in our mind, which in this case, is a summary of Anderson’s approach to filmmaking.

WHERE TO WATCH IT- The film will be playing one more time in Zawya cinema tonight at 7pm.

📚 FROM THE BOOKSTORE-

David Sirota’s Back to Our Future — subtitled How the 1980s Explain the World We Live in Now — is a time capsule of 1980s memorabilia. From Wall Street scandals to the release of The Karate Kid, Sirota explains in minute detail how the events of that decade have affected life as we know it to this day. More than just a walk down memory lane, Back to Our Future is a critique of the ills that plague contemporary American society.

While the book is wildly entertaining and enlightening, it still packs a punch. Sirota, who used to work for Bernie Sanders, argues that movies, advertisements, and TV shows forever changed the way Americans view the world, promoting jingoistic ideology and sowing seeds of egocentrism and overconsumption. While some ideas may seem far-fetched, he shows how certain elements could indubitably be seemingly harmless but effective contributors to the American worldview alongside major incidents such as the bombing of the American military base in Lebanon in 1983 or the TWA Flight 847 hijacking in 1985.

The book, originally written in 2011, may feel a little out of the loop. Sirota undoubtedly would have much more to say about the past 12 years, but his claims about the decades preceding this one still stand. He may occasionally make sweeping remarks to fit his thesis, but many of his arguments are meticulously researched and almost stubbornly well-informed.

WHERE TO FIND IT- You can get your copy of Back to Our Future from Cherry Blossom Books for EGP 148.

🍴 HOT AND FRESH OUT OF THE KITCHEN-

Searching for a tranquil escape from the bustle of the city? Lavender, nestled amid lush greenery in New Cairo’s Mountain View compound, is a good option for a relaxing breakfast, lunch or dinner. The restaurant features an outdoor veranda overlooking flowering gardens and a pool. Alternatively, if you prefer an indoor ambiance, you can dine inside. Lavender operates from 9am until 12am on weekdays and extends its opening hours to 1am on weekends.

The menu does not follow a unified theme. Instead, it has a wide range of items from different international cuisines including pasta, pizza, main course, salads, appetizers, and desserts — plus, they serve sushi and teppanyaki. During our visit, we had the chance to try several dishes from different sections of the menu: Aside from the traditional choices we can recommend The Scallopini Gorgonzola, which involves South African veal cubes buttered with a blue cheese sauce, with a side of roasted potato wedges, vegetables, or white rice. If you are dining with a group, you can share some of their appetizers such as the fried shrimp basket or chicken schnitzel bites to whet your palate before the main course.

Try the teppanyaki. If you enjoy watching your meal being made, give their live teppanyaki a go, where they offer different choices such as shrimp, lobster, salmon, beef filet, and chicken. If you like sharing food with others, their combos will be satisfying. All teppanyaki dishes are served with vegetables and white rice.

PRO TIP- It is recommended to call them to make a reservation. You can also reserve the place or part of it for a special occasion. But do note thatkids under 15 are not allowed after 9pm.

💵 Per person: 500

🪑 Outdoor seating: Yes

🍺 Alcohol: No

🦽 Accessibility friendly: No

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PASS THE CONTROLLER

Legend of Zelda’s Tears of the Kingdom will satisfy fans

Legend of Zelda’s latest installment is a commitment that will satisfy your gaming needs for the next year. Tears of the Kingdom(TOTK) made tsunami-sized waves earlier this year as one of the best games ever released, receiving 10/10 scores from IGN and GameSpot, and garnering a 96/100 from audiences on Metacritic based on almost 9k reviews. The game was released as a sequel to Nintendo’s 2017 Breath of the Wild(BOTW), making it the first ever direct sequel to a Legend of Zelda title.

You don’t need to have played BOTW to enjoy TOTK, but why deprive yourself of the fun of playing two of the most highly-rated games in video game history? The rich tapestry of lore in BOTW, and a basic understanding of the gameplay mechanics, will enrich your experience playing TOTK. If you’ve already logged hours into BOTW, expect more enemy variety, classic Zelda dungeons and the chance to explore post-Ganon Hyrule.

We won’t spoil the story for you, but expect a plot like you’ve never seen before, especially in a Zelda game. The premise is very simplistically the same in that Link is tasked with saving Zelda and Hyrule, but the story is so striking that players took to Youtube, Twitter, and Reddit to document the emotional damage they suffered. So keep your tissues nearby. While the price point is steep in comparison to other Nintendo titles, the hours you will get out of it make it a sound investment for your foreseeable gaming future.

⌛ Hours of gameplay: 290 hours

💵 Price: USD 69.99

👾 Platforms: Nintendo Switch

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WHAT TO WATCH

Flora and Son: An endearing watch on Apple TV

Flora and Son reminds us of the joys of being a teenager — or not. Worse still, it painstakingly captures the trials and tribulations of being the parent of a teenager, and a young, perplexed, struggling, single mother, to boot. The relatable, heartwarming performance by Eve Hewson makes Flora all the more charming, baffling, and lovable as she tries to bond with her difficult son, Max, and save him from becoming a criminal in the streets of Dublin or worse: His father. While, as parents, some scenes made us wince, it is also a reminder that this difficult phase is a universal, somewhat unavoidable rite of passage — which is both validating and endearing.

Music is the answer. One night, a drunk and frustrated Flora decides to begin online guitar lessons using a discarded instrument she tried and failed to gift her son after she was advised to find him something useful to do. As it turns out, her instructor, none other than beloved Joseph Gordon-Levitt, teaches her a lot more than ballads and notes. Through music, Flora’s life changes for the better, and while she may not become a rockstar, she is able to build a better life for herself and her son.

WHERE TO WATCH IT- You can stream the film on Apple TV.


OCTOBER

4-18 October (Wednesdays): Japanese tea making workshop at AUC New Cairo Campus.

6 October (Friday): Armed Forces Day.

7-21 October (Saturday-Tuesday): Illustration workshop with Keem The Kid at Cocoon Cultural Center.

11 October (Wednesday): Teatro Di San Carlo performance, the Pyramids of Giza, Giza.

12-16 October (Thursday-Monday): Cairo Opera Ballet Company Cinderella at Cairo Opera House.

13-20 October (Friday-Friday): El Gouna Film Festival (GFF).

13 October (Friday):The Garden Market at Merryland Park.

13 October (Friday): Oktoberfest at the Swiss Club.

18 October (Wednesday):Ruby and Ahmed Saad at Misr University

26 October - 3 November (Thursday-Friday): The 15th Annual Cairo International JazzFestival at AUC’s Tahrir campus

28 October (Saturday): DJs Kygo, Tiësto, Kung and Frank Walker concert, Giza Pyramids.

NOVEMBER

11 November (Saturday): El Gouna Half Marathon 2023, El Gouna.

15-24 November (Wednesday-Friday): Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF).

16 November (Thursday): Jim Gaffigan’s Barely Alive Tour at The Marquee, Cairo Festival City.

JANUARY

20 January (Saturday): Charlotte Cardin performing at Cairo Jazz Club 610

EVENTS WITH NO SET DATE

2023: The inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum.

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