Miya Miya Film Club presents: The Girls of Today (1957)

Miya Miya Film Club

Wed, 16th Sep 2026 06:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Mothership Studios, 18-22 Sydney St, Marrickville NSW 2204

From $30

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On Wednesday 16th September, Miya Miya Film Club presents بنات اليوم (The Girls of Today, Egypt, 1957), directed by the legendary Henry Barakat. One of the defining films of Egypt's golden age of cinema, The Girls of Today follows two sisters with contrasting views on love, marriage and independence as they navigate the expectations of a rapidly changing society. Blending romance, humour and social commentary, Barakat crafts a film that quietly questions gender roles, class and the meaning of modernity without ever losing sight of the emotional lives of its characters. The film also occupies a singular place in SWANA cultural history as the work that introduced Abdel Halim Hafez's immortal "Ahwak" to the world. Performed by Hafez within the film, Ahwak would become one of the most beloved and enduring songs in the Arabic musical canon, cherished across generations. To experience The Girls of Today is not only to encounter one of Henry Barakat's finest films, but to witness the cinematic debut of a song whose legacy continues to resonate nearly seventy years later. We're delighted to welcome @layali.masr. Their food celebrates the rich traditions of Egyptian home cooking, where food is an expression of generosity, family and overloading on carbs. Their menu draws on recipes passed through generations, inviting us to share in one of Egypt's most enduring cultural traditions. As always, dinner is included with your ticket. All proceeds from the evening will be donated to @sadaqawelfarefund’s Al Andalus School Project. The project is building a nine-classroom school in Hadramout, Yemen, creating access to quality education for up to 250 children who currently face significant barriers to learning. By supporting the project, we're helping invest in a future where education offers safety, opportunity and hope for the next generation. Your ticket includes a meal from @layali.masr, drinks from @gazacola.au, your donation to the Al Andalus School Project, as well as covering venue hire, projector hire and film licensing. The film will be screened in Arabic with English subtitles. Tickets on sale from Monday 17th August. Agenda: 6:30pm - Doors Open 6:30pm till 8pm - Food served from @layali.masr 8pm - Film Starts 10:00pm - Film Ends Please be aware that photography, audio, and video recording may occur at this event. By entering the event premises, you consent to being photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded. You agree that any recorded media—including your likeness, voice, and name; may be used for, but not limited to, promotional, marketing, advertising, and archival purposes, and may be shared on social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok) and websites.

About the Host

Miya Miya Film Club

Miya Miya Film Club is an independent community-led film and arts initiative dedicated to celebrating and elevating the voices of the South West Asian and North African (SWANA) region. At a time when nuanced representations of SWANA cultures are urgently needed, Miya Miya offers a space where film and art become tools for cultural preservation, connection, and resistance.