Threshold

Threshold takes up in full an old Egyptian science-fiction film, The Master of Time, directed by Kamal el Sheikh in 1987. The film’s protagonist is an enlightened scientist obsessed with eternal life. Rania Stephan empties the Egyptian film of its fictional elements, keeping only the shots of entrances and exits through doors and gates. Despite the dissolution of the plot, enough fiction remains for the narrative to be understood. The viewer joins the protagonist, Mr Kamel, and remains trapped in space and time, fulfilling the scientist’s prophecy.