‘This whole process has been insane. It’s so difficult to make a movie — period. To make a movie set in Cairo is a nightmare, logistically,’ says Cairo Time director Ruba Nadda, speaking to Playback amid the bustle of last month’s Toronto International Film Festival. The film, which went on to win best Canadian feature, opens Friday through Mongrel Media.

‘I’m excited. Don’t I look excited? I must have dropped 20 pounds. I’ve not been able to eat, sleep. Nothing.’