Release Party & Open House

Our Open House celebrating the release of Slanted Magazine #46—Cairo was truly unforgettable—and we’re still glowing from the energy, conversations, and amazing people who joined us.

The evening kicked off in the best possible way: with great music, good drinks, and delicious food by EAT HAPPY, setting the perfect warm and cozy atmosphere for everyone to unwind, mingle, and celebrate.

We were then excited to dive into two inspiring talks. Markus Lange opened the program by sharing the story behind his photographic series Tayara—The Kites That Flew Too High. During his time in Cairo at the height of the pandemic, colorful kites filled the skies above the city’s rooftops—symbols of joy, freedom, and brief escape for children and families. Shortly after, the Egyptian government banned them, citing accidents and even fears of “espionage.” Lange’s photographs capture this delicate interplay between freedom and restriction, playfulness and politics, transformation and control.

Following this, Dirk Altenkirch took us back to his unforgettable journey through Egypt in 1983. His photographs and portraits from that weeks-long trip offer rare and intimate glimpses into everyday life far from tourist paths—moments that, strikingly, have changed very little to this day. His stories and images provided a unique historical counterpoint to Cairo’s contemporary creative scene.

A major highlight of the evening was the exclusive screening of Cairo Unscripted—Exploring Cairo’s Past, Present, and Creative Future,edited with incredible care and precision by the talented team at NTSAL Chamber of Design. The film offered a vivid, emotional, and unscripted look behind the scenes of our team’s journey to Cairo—and into the people, places, and stories that shaped this issue.

We loved seeing so many of you browse our shelves, discover fresh releases, and even snag limited and sold-out editions available only at the event. Most of all, we’re grateful for the warm conversations, the laughs, and the inspiring exchanges we shared throughout the night.

A huge thank-you to everyone who joined us—you made the evening truly special. ❤️
We can’t wait to welcome you back for the next Slanted Open House!