The Open Door (Arabic: الباب المفتوح, translit. El-Bab el-Maftuh) is a 1963 Egyptian drama film directed by Henry Barakat and starring Faten Hamama, Saleh Selim, and Mahmoud Moursy. The film was adapted from Egyptian writer Latifa al-Zayyat's 1960 novel of the same name and recipient of the inaugural Naguib Mahfouz Medal for Literature.
Contents
Plot
Set in the 1950, The Open Door follows Layla, a young woman challenging societal norms and family expectations. Layla starts by joining a student protest against her father's conservative values, leading to conflicts at home. She is then pressured into an arranged marriage with her philosophy professor, highlighting the limited choices for women in that era. Throughout the film, Layla navigates various relationships while asserting her independence.
A turning point comes when Layla goes on a hunger strike to protest against her constrained life. Meanwhile, amidst political turmoil, Layla's personal journey reflects Egypt's broader social changes during the Suez Canal Crisis.
Ultimately, Layla finds love and support in Hussayn who respects her desire for autonomy and represents a hopeful future for her and women's rights in Egypt.
Cast
Faten Hamama as Layla Soulayman
Saleh Selim as Hussayn Amer
Mahmoud Moursy as Dr. Fouad
Shwikar as Gamila
Hassan Youssef as Essam
Layla Anwar as Sanaa
Mahmoud El-Heddini as Mahmoud Soulayman
Nahed Samir as Layla's mother
Ya'qoub Mikhail as Layla's father