English narration by Omar Sharif; Umm Kulthum voiceover, Mona Zakaria; with: Tawfik Badawi, Virginia Danielson, Amal Fahmy, Thomas Farkas, Abbas Fuad, Pakinam Hegazi, Shahwar Hegazi, Naguib Mahfouz and others. Based on: The voice of Egypt: Umm Kulthum, Arabic song, and Egyptian society in the 20th century / Virginia Danielson. Originally released as a motion picture in 1996. Funded in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Ford Foundation. Booklet in DVD case. Additional features: Umm Kulthum filmography ; commentary soundtrack with the director ; production photo gallery ; 'Fatma" trailer."
Summary:
Umm Kulthūm was born a peasant at the turn of the century whose talent led her to be Egypt's most famous female vocalist. She became a powerful symbol, first of the aspirations of her country, and then of the entire Arab world. This film connects her life to the epic story of 20th century Egypt as it shook off colonialism and confronted modernity.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.