Nasser's Republic: The Making of Modern Egypt

Nasser's Republic: The Making of Modern Egypt is a 2016 biographical documentary film that does a masterful job of capturing the essence of arguably one of the most transformative figures in modern Middle Eastern history, Gamal Abdel Nasser. This documentary, directed by Michal Goldman and narrated by acclaimed actors Kal Naga and Hiam Abbass, provides a riveting view into the life and legacy of Nasser, while exploring the profound influence he had on the shaping of modern Egypt and indeed, the entire Arab world.

The film takes a comprehensive look at the life of Nasser; from his early years as a young revolutionary in the turbulent era following World War II, to his ascension to power as the second President of Egypt, and through to the end of his life. Throughout, it is an intimate portrayal of a man who not only embodied the spirit of nationalism and pan-Arabism but also fiercely championed the cause for self-determination and independence against colonial powers.

Nasser's Republic delivers a powerful account of how Nasser led Egypt, a country that had just shrugged off British colonial rule and was riddled with poverty and illiteracy, into an era of massive industrialization and infrastructural development. It delves into Nasser's visionary efforts towards the modernization of Egypt, which include the construction of the Aswan High Dam - a symbol of Egyptian autonomy – and wide-scale education reforms.

The film is painstakingly researched and based on rich historical archives, including eyewitness accounts, interviews with scholars, personal letters, and previously unreleased archival footage. This makes it a treasure-trove for history enthusiasts, while also adding authenticity and depth to Nasser's portrayal.

The performances of Kal Naga and Hiam Abbass adds further vibrance to this historical narration. As the voice of Nasser, Naga strikes the right balance between the charisma that Nasser was famous for and the serious nature of his decisions. Abbass’s narration complements the narrative beautifully, bringing in weight and emotional depth.

Nasser's Republic does not shy away from exploring the controversial aspects of Nasser's rule either. It gives a balanced account of his reign, discussing his significant achievements and his tragic miscalculations, such as the disastrous six-day war with Israel in 1967. The film features interviews with Nasser's critics and supporters, intellectuals, and ordinary citizens of Egypt who lived during Nasser's era, providing a more nuanced understanding of Nasser’s leadership.

An essential component of the film is its focus on the role of women in Nasser's Egypt. His decisions were radical for their time and had a lasting impact on gender equality in the country. The film delves into Nasser's efforts to promote women's education and his landmark decision to confer voting rights on Egyptian women, setting a benchmark in the Arab world.

One of the central themes of Nasser's Republic is exploring the question of what constitutes a modern nation. Through the prism of Nasser's rule, it questions and contrasts the ideas of modernity with more traditional societal structures. The film chronicles Egypt's transition period, shedding light on the struggles and balancing acts required in building a modern nation-state.

The film chronicles Nasser's life with such extraordinary detail and in a way that humanizes him, that one cannot help but feel as if they know the man on a personal level. It is a rare achievement to tell a tale that is in parts triumph and tragedy, aspiration and reality, without losing sight of the humanity at its core.

Nasser’s Republic: The Making of Modern Egypt offers a fascinating, balanced and insightful look into the life and legacy of one of the most significant political figures of the 20th century. It’s an absorbing and thought-provoking journey into Egypt’s nation-building process and the man that greatly influenced its trajectory. It is a film that is as much about remembering the past, as it is about understanding the present.