Since its very beginning, cinema has been fascinated by trains (Lumière). Mahmoud Ibrahim is well aware of this tradition, and in his film, the train, rather than arriving, will depart – toward Alexandria, where Ahmed has decided to study film, despite the concerns of his loving mother, the ever-challenging economic context, and the emigration desires of his contemporaries and friends. The old question of youth hangs in the air: should I stay or should I go?

Since its very beginning, cinema has been fascinated by trains (Lumière). Mahmoud Ibrahim is well aware of this tradition, and in his film, the train, rather than arriving, will depart – toward Alexandria, where Ahmed has decided to study film, despite the concerns of his loving mother, the ever-challenging economic context, and the emigration desires of his contemporaries and friends. The old question of youth hangs in the air: should I stay or should I go?