Al Qamar Film

40 minute film – “Al Qamar” means “The Moon”. In Arab poetry, prayer, songs and art, the moon has been evocative and pervasive since ancient times. It is particularly an important symbol in Sufism. The moon is a welcome soothing light that guides one at night through the desert after the scorching sun has set. The moon does not emit its own light, but like a mirror reflects light or reflects the image of the one looking in the mirror. The biggest compliment one can give a beloved is that their face is like the moon. The glory and inspiration of the moon touches each of the five choreographies presented in this film. These are five very different stories each with a distinctive musical and movement expression and a different approach to filming and editing. The responsiveness of the moon is expressed in the rich Arab music and movement tapestries to rural arts along the Nile to Sufi trance and to the ancient Egyptian Goddess of the night sky. Filmed in Canada and Egypt.

Choreography & Direction: Yasmina Ramzy

Videography & Editing: Manuel Garcia

Dance Artists:
Mayada Hesham
Christina Djokoto
Leanna Mndl
Katy Solo
Anastassia Lada
Asli Rakkas
Rhythm Vekariya
Vivian Mu

Prayer to Nuit
“Nut”, Goddess of Night Sky

Vocals: Najwa Tannus
Sagat: Jane Graydon
Costumes: Denise Mireau, Jane Graydon

Upper Lower Egypt

Music: Ya’Nawaim, Zamalek Musicians, Hollywood Music
Costumes: Mahmoud El Ghaffar

Al Farha (The Joy)

Percussion Composition: Hany Morgan
Percussionist: Hany Morgan (Tabla, Daholla, Duff, Sagat, Tura)

Video Editing: Manuel Garcia
Toronto Videography of Dance Artists: Manuel Garcia
Cairo Videography of Hany Morgan: Rollit Productions
Producer: Hasan Saleh
Videography: Ayman El Nokaly
Costumes: Yasser of Khan-El-Khalili

Oyoun (Eyes)

Music excerpt from Nagwa Fouad show 1984 (composer unknown)
Arrangement: Dr. George Sawa
Vocals Najwa Tannus, Nabeel Shehadi
Qanun: Dr. George Sawa
Oud: Nabeel Shehadi
Violin: Marun Tannus
Lead Percussion: Amer Maitri
Qatim: Sebastian Gatto
Sagat: Yasmina Ramzy
Costumes: Yasser of Khan-El-Khalili, Mahmoud El Ghaffar, Nancy Baltazar

Sufi Realms

Guidance & Instruction: Hany Morgan
Music: The Morgan Family
Vocals: Sheikh Ahmed El Badawy
Nay: Morgan Morgan
Oud: Ramadan Morgan
Tabla, Daholla, Sagat: Hany Morgan
Duff: Ibrahim Morgan
Costumes: Hakim Helal
Drums Handcrafted: Hany Morgan

Thank You to:

Consultation & Guidance: Dr. George Sawa, Hany Morgan
Patron: Robina Shaw
Behind The Scenes Footage & Wardrobe Assistance: Nancy Baltazar
Production Assistants: Vivian Mu, Devon Carrow-Shaw, Chase
Rehearsal Coach: Leanna Mndl
Location Consultation: Sussi Dorrell & Morten Dorrell
Still Photography: Steve Blackburn, Samira Hafezi, Claudia Chavez
Security guards, administrators, managers, owners and lifeguards at:
Carrow Family Farm
Bretton Place
BellyUp BellyDance Studio
Sunnyside Pavillion
Dundurn Castle

Funded By:
Canada Council for the Arts
Ontario Arts council
Toronto Arts Council

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©2021 Yasmina Ramzy