Latest news with #MADDistribution
Broadcast Pro
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Algerian film ‘Algiers' set to screen in Switzerland
The film is written and and directed by writer/director and composer Chakib Taleb-Bendiab. Algerian writer, director, and musician Chakib Taleb-Bendiab's feature-length directorial debut, Algiers, is set to screen at Festival cinémas d'Afrique Lausanne, Switzerland, on August 14. Algiers is an investigative thriller addressing the serious issue of child kidnapping in Algeria, a country still recovering from its civil war. The film follows the story of a kidnapped little girl, sparking a wave of tension and suspicion throughout the city. Central to the narrative are Dounia, a skilled psychiatrist, and Sami, a committed police inspector, who together navigate the haunting shadows of Algeria's past to unravel the mystery. Written and directed by Bendiab, the film features a stellar cast including Meriem Medjkane, Nabil Asli, Chahrazad Kracheni, Hichem Mesbah, Slimane Benouari and Ali Namous. Algiers is produced by Khaled Chikhi and Yasmine Dhoukar, with executive production by Canadian filmmaker Patricia Chica. The cinematography is by Ikbal Arafat, who won the Best Cinematography Award in 2018 at the Satisfied Eye International Film Festival for Black Spirit. The film is edited by Bendiab and Fouad Benhammou and is distributed internationally by MAD World and in Arabic-speaking territories by MAD Distribution.
Broadcast Pro
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
‘My Father and Qaddafi' becomes first Libyan film at Venice in 13 years
Jihan K's debut traces her search for her father, Mansur Kikhia — Libya's former foreign minister, UN ambassador, and peaceful opponent of Qaddafi. Marking an entry onto the global festival stage, My Father and Qaddafi, the debut feature documentary by Libyan filmmaker Jihan K, will celebrate its world premiere out of competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, running from August 27 to September 6. The film makes history as the first Libyan title to be featured at Venice in over a decade, offering a deeply personal and political narrative rooted in the country's turbulent history. Written and directed by Jihan K, the 88-minute documentary unfolds as an emotional investigation into the mysterious disappearance of her father, Mansur Rashid Kikhia, a former Libyan foreign minister, UN ambassador, and vocal non-violent opponent of Muammar Qaddafi's regime. Weaving together archival material, testimonies and personal reflections, the film charts Jihan's search for understanding, memory and identity, as she retraces her mother's nearly two-decade-long pursuit of truth and justice. Though she has no memory of her father, Jihan's journey becomes a way to reconnect with him and confront her fragmented sense of belonging. Commenting on her film, Jihan K said: 'In my documentary film, My Father and Qaddafi, I delve into the memories of others to create a clearer picture of my father, a man I do not remember. Making this documentary helps me understand the importance of a father figure and the impact of losing a father on a family, a community, and even a country.' The film is a joint US–Libyan production, produced by Jihan K and Mohamed Soueid, with executive production by Dave Guenette and Sol Guy. Additional producers include Andreas Rocksén and William Johansson Kalén of Laika Film, while Jayson Jackson and Mohamed Siam served as consulting producers. Shahla Karkouti Elms joined the project as associate producer. Shot by cinematographers Micah Walker and Mike McLaughlin, and edited by Alessandro Dordoni, Nicole Halova and Chloe Lambourne, known for her work on the Oscar-nominated For Sama, the documentary features Jihan K, Baha Sobhi Al Omary and archival appearances of Rashid Mansur Kikhia. Distribution for the Arab-speaking world is being handled by MAD Distribution, with MAD World managing international sales. Throughout its development, the film attracted support from prominent global institutions, including the Doha Film Institute, the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture, International Documentary Association, CineGouna, International Media Support, Hot Docs-Blue Ice Docs Fund, Malmö Arab Film Festival, the Swedish Film Institute, and more. It also participated in several international development and pitching labs, such as the Close Up Lab, DFI Qumra, Durban Filmmart and First Cut Lab. Jihan K, who studied International and Comparative Politics at the American University of Paris and completed her master's at New York University's Gallatin School, has long focused on human rights and storytelling as tools for empowerment. Her 2012 essay, Libya, My Father, and I, published in Kalimat Magazine, presaged the themes that now come to life in her feature debut.
Broadcast Pro
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
‘Tetes brulees' to make MENA premiere at Amman International Film Festival
MAD World oversees the film's international sales, while MAD Distribution manages its distribution across the MENA region. After its world premiere at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, where it received two Special Mentions in the Generation 14plus section, Têtes brûlées is heading to Jordan for its MENA premiere at the sixth edition of the Amman International Film Festival. The film will screen on July 6 at 10:00 p.m. at Taj Cinema and again on July 9 at 8:00 p.m. at the Royal Film Commission. A Belgian production infused with Tunisian influences, Têtes brûlées is a coming-of-age drama centred on 12-year-old Eya, who struggles to cope with the sudden loss of her older brother Younès. Bound by an unbreakable connection, Eya finds herself navigating a structured and emotional grieving process, leaning on her creativity, resilience, and Younès' close friends to make sense of her loss and move forward. The film has also garnered critical acclaim, with Aurore Engelen of Cineuropa describing it as 'a film of few words but many gestures—hands reaching out, arms embracing and consoling.' She commended Zellama's sensitive direction, noting her ability to 'capture both the strength and fragility of these moments.' Written and directed by Belgian-Tunisian-Danish filmmaker Maja Ajmia Zellama, Têtes brûlées is produced by Komoko, with co-productions by Quetzalcoatl and 1080 Films. Zellama, a graduate of the LUCA School of Arts, is also the co-founder and president of ASBL Bledarte, a Brussels-based organisation dedicated to empowering immigrant youth through art and culture. The film's production team includes producers Marc Goyens and Nabil Ben Yadir, cinematographer Grimm Vandekerckhove, editor Dieter Diependaele, production designer Eve Martin, casting director Marie McCourt, and sound designer David Vranken. Têtes brûlées is represented for international sales by MAD World, while MAD Distribution is overseeing its release across the MENA region. The film features Safa Gharbaoui, Mehdi Bouziane, Mounir Amamra (DIVINES), Adnane El Haruati, Saber Tabi, Nicolas Makola, Mehdi Zellama and Monia Taieb.
Broadcast Pro
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Egyptian documentary ‘Memoirs of M.A Draz' to premiere in London
The film follows Mohamed Abdallah Draz's path from his humble beginnings in Mahallat Diyay to his academic pursuits in Paris, portraying him as a forward-thinking scholar who advocated for equal opportunities for his daughters and sons long before feminism took root in the Middle East. The Egyptian documentary Memoirs of M.A. Draz, directed by Maggie Morgan, is set to make its international debut at the Aga Khan Library in London on June 24 at 5 PM. The screening will be attended by a host of notable guests, including the film's producer Noha El Kholy, members of the late scholar's family, and the Ambassador of Egypt to the United Kingdom. The documentary tells the story of Azharite scholar Mohamed Abdallah Draz through letters, diaries and photographs found by his great-granddaughter, Noha El-Khouly. It follows his life from his humble beginnings to his studies in Paris and his progressive views on equal opportunities for his daughters. Narrated by Sedky Sakr and scored by Khaled Al Kammar, the film has been lauded for its emotional depth. Directed by Morgan and co-written with El-Asfoury, it was produced by El-Khouly, with MAD Distribution handling regional sales and MAD World managing international distribution. Maggie Morgan, a filmmaker and academic, shared her inspiration for the film, and said it was born from personal stories shared by El-Khouly about her grandfather, Sheikh Draz, and the rich history they uncovered. The film not only highlights Draz's scientific achievements but also his lasting social and cultural legacy.
Broadcast Pro
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
MAD Solutions brings six short films to Rotterdam Arab Film Festival
Each of these six films is represented internationally by MAD World, with MAD Distribution handling sales across the Arab World. MAD Solutions is showcasing a lineup of six short films at this year's Rotterdam Arab Film Festival, which runs through June 1. The selected works—Last Nights of Summer, Love Bites, Madonna, Upshot, Nya and Born a Celebrity—hail from across the Arab region and delve into themes of family, identity, freedom and memory. Opening the slate is Last Nights of Summer, a story following three cousins—Farah, Rana and Leila—who reunite at their childhood home in Jordan two years after their grandfather's death. Written and directed by Yasser, the film examines the subtle transformations in relationships over time and distance. It stars Tara Emad, who also serves as executive producer, alongside Shahd El Shater and Farah Aboughattas, with cinematography by Mohamed Ashraf Koushi and music by Donia Wael. Following is Love Bites, a tense family drama centered on two brothers who struggle to agree on how to prepare their deceased sister's body after discovering unexpected marks that could spark scandal among waiting mourners. The cast includes Sedky Sakhr, Mahmoud Zain, Sohila Alanwar, Nadia Hassan, Mahmoud Yehia, Sara Alaaeldin and Rowan Alaa Eldin. The film features cinematography by Moamen Alameldin and editing by Mohamed Mamdouh. In Madonna, the action shifts to a monastery in Egypt, where the theft of an archaeological artifact puts the abbots under pressure. Tensions rise between Father Maurice and Francis, and suspicion falls on Suad, the chef, who is struggling to secure surgery for her daughter. A dramatic turn shifts the stakes entirely. Directed by John Fareed Zaki and co-written with Abanoub Nabil, the film stars Karim Kassem, Abd El-Aziz Makhyoun and George Sassine, with visuals by cinematographer Filopater Morad and editing by Sara Abdullah. The psychological drama Upshot unfolds on a secluded farm in Gaza, where Suleiman and Lubna have isolated themselves in the aftermath of personal tragedy. Their fragile peace is disrupted by the arrival of a stranger, triggering a descent into unresolved grief and memory. Directed by Maha Haj, the film is a co-production between Palestine, Italy and France, and features performances by Mohammed Bakri, Areen Omari and Amer Hlehel. Offering a child's-eye view of conflict, Nya tells the story of seven-year-old Anya, living in a 1994 Algerian suburb. As civil unrest creeps closer, her carefree world begins to fray. Directed by Imene Ayadi, the film features a standout performance by Melissa Benyahia and captures the quiet erosion of childhood innocence against a backdrop of war. Closing the selection is Born a Celebrity, a thoughtful character study of Kamel, a 25-year-old Palestinian man overwhelmed by the attention of his tightly-knit community. As he seeks space to define his own identity, his quiet rebellion becomes a moving meditation on freedom and social pressure. The film is written, directed, edited and co-produced by Luay Awwad with Nour Abukamal, and stars Munther Bannourah and Khaled Masso. All six films are represented internationally by MAD World, with MAD Distribution handling Arab world sales.
