Tuk-Tuk

Romany Saad

Instead of going to school, Egyptian teenagers Abdallah, Bika and Sharon ride their tuk-tuk (a motorized cycle cab) to transport their passengers in the busy, sun-drenched streets of Cairo. That way, they make a living for their poor families. Despite their busy work schedule, the boys find time to have fun every now and then, like ordinary children.

Driving the small tuk-tuks through the bustling streets of the Egyptian capital is a dangerous undertaking. The boys are targeted by thieves, policemen and competing cab drivers. Corrupt officials are on their back, and street robbers try to steal their expensive tuk-tuks.

Their poor transport wages are spent on living expenses, which leaves them little pocket money. They occasionally earn enough to go gaming, but most of the time their hard-earned pounds serve to feed hungry family members. Nonetheless, the three friends seize every opportunity to have fun and play.

Humorous and touching portrait of three teenagers in post-revolutionary Egypt, where poverty is still rife and children are forced to grow up prematurely.

Credits

Director
Romany Saad
Producer
Romany Saad
Year
2015
Country of production
Egypt
Type
Documentary
Duration
78 minutes
Spoken language
Arabic
Subtitles
EN
Production company
Romany Saad