AllMovie

In 2011, the eyes of the world were on Egypt as a group of activists made Tahrir Square in Cairo the center of demonstrations demanding an end to the nation's repressive government. As the movement suddenly gained mass support and became the focus of international media attention, Egypt was on the brink of revolution. When Hosni Mubarak left office, many Egyptians were caught between elation and anxiety as the nation confronted both fresh possibilities and an uncertain future, especially after military interference and hastily organized elections derailed the hopes of the activists who founded the movement against Mubarak. Filmmaker Jehane Noujaim was a regular visitor to Tahrir Square, and the documentary Al Midan (aka The Square) captures Egypt's political upheaval as it was happening, with activists and would-be revolutionaries of all stripes speaking their minds and watching the government react as the world watches them all. The Square received its American premiere at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival.