In Sharm El Sheikh, a tourist hub that has been the target of terror attacks in recent years, young Egyptian workers are trapped between a liberal Western lifestyle and their traditional culture.
Representing freedom and easy cash, Sharm El Sheikh has long been a dream destination for Egyptian youth. Recently, terror attacks have brought tourism in the resort town to a halt. ‘Dream Away’ follows a group of young employees of a luxury hotel compound, where clichés and stereotypes of Western and Oriental cultures clash. This carousel-like experience elevates the youths into a dreamlike state; in the shadow of the shimmering hotel facades, they lead double lives, their families unaware of the sinful temptations of the town. Still, they are torn in the face of the prevailing Western culture: for some the liberal values represent long-dreamt-of independence, while for others it is simply not enjoyable. While leaving is not an option – it is too difficult to jettison their liberal lifestyle and return to their traditional culture – they now lack both financial and personal opportunities, and find themselves on an existential quest for identity.
