The cosmopolitan elite of 19th century Cairo lead a charmed life. But sophisticated as they may be, they are not ready for a rebellious wife.
When Dora marries Emile Touta, she begs him to teach her the secrets of his photographic studio. Soon her skill with a camera has eclipsed her husband's and the studio is the talk of Cairo. But though her talent brings them success, Emile is jealous of Dora's growing independence and riled by the gossip it provokes.
As nationalism takes root in Egypt, Dora flees Cairo to cover the British campaign in the Sudan. Alone among the Army that is occupying her country, she must finally choose whether to be an artist or a wife in a society whose identity is as divided as her own.
