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FANGS + Introduction (15*)

SAFAR Film Festival

,Cinema 3
Fangs

An Egyptian remake of The Rocky Horror Picture Show that reinvents O'Brien's classic.

Often dismissed as a Rocky Horror Picture Show knockoff, Fangs is - in fact - exemplar, self-aware Egyptian kitsch, a testament to the enduring quality of Shaabi Disco, and a pointed critique of the Egyptian state's vampiric capitalism during the unchecked rapid economic expansion of the 1970s. 

The plot follows a couple - Ali and Muna - who unknowingly seek shelter at Dracula's castle when their car breaks down in a storm. A brilliantly ridiculous first film from horror pioneer Mohammad Shabl, it parodies dozens of cinematic tropes in a style perfectly suited to an Egypt trying desperately to enter the 21st century, while remaining obsessed with folklore and ghost stories. Despite the film's wildly comedic tone, the social and economic inequity it depicts continues to haunt Egypt even more than when the film was first released. 

Tagged with: Cinema SAFAR Film Festival 2025

Screening as part of SAFAR’s GHOSTS strand of screenings and workshops, it will be introduced by the strand curator Saeed Taji Farouky.

Content notice: contains graphic scenes of a chicken being killed

Film information
  • Release year   1981
  • Country   Egypt
  • Director   Mohammad Shabl
  • Runtime  

Cinema 3

Location
Barbican Cinema 2 & 3 are located on Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican’s Silk Street entrance. From Silk Street, you’ll see a zebra crossing that will take you across the road to the venue. 

Address
Beech Street
London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.