Netflix has unveiled the highlights of its Original Arabic-language content for the Middle East and North Africa in 2024, with shows coming out of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Kuwait and Jordan.
Fresh announcements included the second season of hit female-driven, Kuwaiti finance world drama The Exchange and a third season of unscripted show Dubai Bling, which Netflix promised would “delve deeper” into the lives of the existing characters and expand the “Dubai Bling family”.
Netflix also announced the arrival of Tunisia acting star Dhafer L’Abidine in the cast of the second season of Hend Sabry’s drama Finding Ola.
He joins Sabry in a cast also featuring Sawsan Badr, Hany Adel, Nada Moussa, Mahmoud El Leithy, Acel Ramzy, Omar Sherif, Yasmina El-Abd and Tarek el Ebiary.
In this new season, as the titular Ola’s business teeters on the edge of collapse, she discovers the need to reinvent herself and embarks...
Fresh announcements included the second season of hit female-driven, Kuwaiti finance world drama The Exchange and a third season of unscripted show Dubai Bling, which Netflix promised would “delve deeper” into the lives of the existing characters and expand the “Dubai Bling family”.
Netflix also announced the arrival of Tunisia acting star Dhafer L’Abidine in the cast of the second season of Hend Sabry’s drama Finding Ola.
He joins Sabry in a cast also featuring Sawsan Badr, Hany Adel, Nada Moussa, Mahmoud El Leithy, Acel Ramzy, Omar Sherif, Yasmina El-Abd and Tarek el Ebiary.
In this new season, as the titular Ola’s business teeters on the edge of collapse, she discovers the need to reinvent herself and embarks...
- 2/1/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Yasmina El-Abd has signed with David Unger’s Artist International Group (Aig) for U.S. representation.
The rising Mena actress is currently starring in Mbc Studios’ ground breaking Arabic-language musical feature Sukkar, which is due to hit streamer Shahid on December 24 following a strong box office run that began in October. She is signed up to star in a follow up, we hear.
El-Abd has also had parts in Middle Eastern Netflix original Finding Ola and HBO Max and Cbbc kids series Theodosia, and is co-starring in Adi Hasak’s upcoming James Franco series Karantina, which has Adi TV Studios, Dynamic Television, Mbc, Zdf, Asacha Media Group, Blond and Tanweer attached.
She is also reprise her role as Zeina in season 2 of the Netflix’s Egyptian comedy-drama Finding Ola. Season 1 launched in February 2022 and made it into the Top 10 worldwide and topped the charts in the Arab-speaking world for three weeks.
The rising Mena actress is currently starring in Mbc Studios’ ground breaking Arabic-language musical feature Sukkar, which is due to hit streamer Shahid on December 24 following a strong box office run that began in October. She is signed up to star in a follow up, we hear.
El-Abd has also had parts in Middle Eastern Netflix original Finding Ola and HBO Max and Cbbc kids series Theodosia, and is co-starring in Adi Hasak’s upcoming James Franco series Karantina, which has Adi TV Studios, Dynamic Television, Mbc, Zdf, Asacha Media Group, Blond and Tanweer attached.
She is also reprise her role as Zeina in season 2 of the Netflix’s Egyptian comedy-drama Finding Ola. Season 1 launched in February 2022 and made it into the Top 10 worldwide and topped the charts in the Arab-speaking world for three weeks.
- 12/18/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Drama set in the aftermath of Egyptian revolution takes top slot at home box office; film gets Tom Hanks endorsement.
Egyptian director Mohamed Diab’s hard-hitting post-revolution drama Clash is proving a hit at home and abroad following its premiere as the opening film of Cannes Un Certain Regard in May.
Set against the backdrop of riots in Cairo at the end of Islamist President Mohamed Morsi’s reign in 2013, its snapshot of Egypt’s divided post-revolution society has struck a chord with local audiences.
Cairo-based distribution and film promotion company Mad Solutions reports the title grossed a record-breaking $225,000 (LE2m) during its first week on release in Egypt, beginning July 27. The film easily outperformed a number of Hollywood blockbusters.
“The film started in 36 screens and we added 11 screens on the second day to meet demand, ” commented Mad Solutions co-chief Alaa Karkouti.
The release was expanded to 52 screens across Egypt for the second week.
“One multiplex...
Egyptian director Mohamed Diab’s hard-hitting post-revolution drama Clash is proving a hit at home and abroad following its premiere as the opening film of Cannes Un Certain Regard in May.
Set against the backdrop of riots in Cairo at the end of Islamist President Mohamed Morsi’s reign in 2013, its snapshot of Egypt’s divided post-revolution society has struck a chord with local audiences.
Cairo-based distribution and film promotion company Mad Solutions reports the title grossed a record-breaking $225,000 (LE2m) during its first week on release in Egypt, beginning July 27. The film easily outperformed a number of Hollywood blockbusters.
“The film started in 36 screens and we added 11 screens on the second day to meet demand, ” commented Mad Solutions co-chief Alaa Karkouti.
The release was expanded to 52 screens across Egypt for the second week.
“One multiplex...
- 8/5/2016
- ScreenDaily
A year has passed since its theatrical release in the Arab world and "Factory Girl" continues its burgeoning success, carrying forward with non-stop lucrative festival tours worldwide reaping awards including 4 prizes for its leading star Yasmin Raeis. The film combined all the elements of success starting from the funding and production to a great team and efforts that have been put by the marketing and distribution team.
Helmed by veteran director Mohamed Khan, the film is written by Wessam Soliman, and stars Yasmin Raeis, Hani Adel, Salwa Khattab , Salwa Mohamed Ali, Ibtihal El Sereti and a diverse array of new promising stars. The film is produced by Mohamed Samir's DayDream Art Production and is distributed in the Arab world by Mad Solutions, which also promoted the film worldwide.
The film hit Egyptian theaters on March 19th, 2014, and was released in the UAE the next day. Factory Girl carried on its flourishing commercial tour across Lebanon, the Palestinian territories and other 3 Arab countries. Garnering a total of 1.6 million Egp in Egyptian box office, "Factory Girl" ran for 19 consecutive weeks.
In a fresh breakthrough for Mohamed Khan's "Factory Girl" across international film festivals, Arab Cinema in Sweden (Acis), a distribution arm under the umbrella of Malmo Arab Film Festival, has announced the theatrical release of "Factory Girl" across Sweden on Friday, April 24th, 2015. Marking the film's first release beyond the Arab world, the film will be screened in 9 cities in Sweden. The film will also get a theatrical release in several countries the list of which will be announced soon.
This month, "Factory Girl" is taking part of the 10th International Oriental Film Festival of Geneva. Marking its 17th participation at an international film festival, director Mohamed Khanis will be attending the festival.
The film has also been presented at the European Film Market (Efm) within the 65thBerlin International Film Festival through the Arab Cinema Center (Acc), which is helmed by Mad Solutions as part of its long-term strategy in backing and promoting Arab filmmaking.
"Factory Girl" tells the story of Hiyam, a young factory worker, lives in a lower-middle-class neighborhood, along with her co-workers. She is clearly under the spell of Salah, the factory's new supervisor, who has expressed his admiration for her. She believes love can transcend the class differences between them. However, when a pregnancy test is discovered in the factory premises, her family and close friends accuse her of sinning. Hiyam decides not to defend herself and pays an enormous price in a society that fails to accept independent women.
Mohamed Khan's "Factory Girl" was Egypt's official submission to the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 87th Academy Awards (Oscars). In December 2013, the film had its world premiere at the Dubai International Film Festival within the Muhr Arab Feature competition where the film received the International Federation of Film Critics (Fipresci) award for the Arab Feature Competition, and the film's star Yasmin Raeis walked away with the Best Actress award. In July 2014, the film earned a Special Jury Prize from MEDFilm Festival in Italy, where it was screened at the opening gala of the festival.
The film's star, Yasmin Raeis, reaped the Best Actress Award at Malmo Arab Film Festival in Sweden, and its ccreenwriter Wessam Soliman also received the Best Writing Award at the Sala Women Film Festival in Morocco.
"Factory Girl" ended 2014 receiving multiple awards from international film festivals earning 4 awards from the 18thEgyptian National Film Festival, which hosted an honorary screening of the film at the closing ceremony after competing in the festival's Feature-length Competition. The film swept the festival's major awards; Best Director award, Best Screenplay and the Best Actress award.
In February, 2015, "Factory Girl" swept 6 awards from the 41st Egyptian Film Association Festival. The film earned the Excellence Award for director Mohamed Khan; a Special Jury Award; Best Actressaward for Yasmin Raeis; Best Supporting Actress for Salwa Khatab; Best Screenplay award for Wessam Suleiman; Best Film Editing award for Dina Farouk.
Adding to its festival screenings in a string of highly prestigious international film festivals, "Factory Girl" had its North American premiere at Montreal World Film Festival in Canada, and then was part of the Ana Contemporary Arab Cinema Festival in New York. On November 9th, 2014, "Factory Girl" concluded the screenings of Twin Cities Arab Film Festival in Minnesota, USA, which was held under the patronage of Mizna.
The film was also screened as part of Shanghai International Film Festival and at the opening ceremony of the Arab Film Festival in Seoul, Korea. Also, the film has taken part at the 20th Kolkata Film Festivalin India within Focus: Arabian Countries section, which showcased 7 films from the Arab world that achieved artistic triumphs at international film festivals.
Moreover, Mohamed Khan's "Factory Girl" was showcased at Safar: A Journey Through Popular Arab Cinema in London, which took place at the Institute of Contemporary Arts (Ica). The film has also been part of the 34th African Film Festival of Verona in Italy within Panorama Africa competition, which encompassed 10 African feature-length films.Following its screening at Franco Arab Film Festival in Jordon, Factory Girl was featured at Carthage Film Festival within Special Sessions section.
The film received financial support from a total of 7 entities including: Dubai International Film Festival's Enjaaz,Abu Dhabi Film Festival's Sanad Fund, Giz institution, Global Film Initiative,Women in Film Foundation and the Ministry of Culture's Filmmaking Fund. The film was also produced by Wika and Middle West Films
International Sales are being handled by Mad Solutions, U.S. Rights are still available.
Helmed by veteran director Mohamed Khan, the film is written by Wessam Soliman, and stars Yasmin Raeis, Hani Adel, Salwa Khattab , Salwa Mohamed Ali, Ibtihal El Sereti and a diverse array of new promising stars. The film is produced by Mohamed Samir's DayDream Art Production and is distributed in the Arab world by Mad Solutions, which also promoted the film worldwide.
The film hit Egyptian theaters on March 19th, 2014, and was released in the UAE the next day. Factory Girl carried on its flourishing commercial tour across Lebanon, the Palestinian territories and other 3 Arab countries. Garnering a total of 1.6 million Egp in Egyptian box office, "Factory Girl" ran for 19 consecutive weeks.
In a fresh breakthrough for Mohamed Khan's "Factory Girl" across international film festivals, Arab Cinema in Sweden (Acis), a distribution arm under the umbrella of Malmo Arab Film Festival, has announced the theatrical release of "Factory Girl" across Sweden on Friday, April 24th, 2015. Marking the film's first release beyond the Arab world, the film will be screened in 9 cities in Sweden. The film will also get a theatrical release in several countries the list of which will be announced soon.
This month, "Factory Girl" is taking part of the 10th International Oriental Film Festival of Geneva. Marking its 17th participation at an international film festival, director Mohamed Khanis will be attending the festival.
The film has also been presented at the European Film Market (Efm) within the 65thBerlin International Film Festival through the Arab Cinema Center (Acc), which is helmed by Mad Solutions as part of its long-term strategy in backing and promoting Arab filmmaking.
"Factory Girl" tells the story of Hiyam, a young factory worker, lives in a lower-middle-class neighborhood, along with her co-workers. She is clearly under the spell of Salah, the factory's new supervisor, who has expressed his admiration for her. She believes love can transcend the class differences between them. However, when a pregnancy test is discovered in the factory premises, her family and close friends accuse her of sinning. Hiyam decides not to defend herself and pays an enormous price in a society that fails to accept independent women.
Mohamed Khan's "Factory Girl" was Egypt's official submission to the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 87th Academy Awards (Oscars). In December 2013, the film had its world premiere at the Dubai International Film Festival within the Muhr Arab Feature competition where the film received the International Federation of Film Critics (Fipresci) award for the Arab Feature Competition, and the film's star Yasmin Raeis walked away with the Best Actress award. In July 2014, the film earned a Special Jury Prize from MEDFilm Festival in Italy, where it was screened at the opening gala of the festival.
The film's star, Yasmin Raeis, reaped the Best Actress Award at Malmo Arab Film Festival in Sweden, and its ccreenwriter Wessam Soliman also received the Best Writing Award at the Sala Women Film Festival in Morocco.
"Factory Girl" ended 2014 receiving multiple awards from international film festivals earning 4 awards from the 18thEgyptian National Film Festival, which hosted an honorary screening of the film at the closing ceremony after competing in the festival's Feature-length Competition. The film swept the festival's major awards; Best Director award, Best Screenplay and the Best Actress award.
In February, 2015, "Factory Girl" swept 6 awards from the 41st Egyptian Film Association Festival. The film earned the Excellence Award for director Mohamed Khan; a Special Jury Award; Best Actressaward for Yasmin Raeis; Best Supporting Actress for Salwa Khatab; Best Screenplay award for Wessam Suleiman; Best Film Editing award for Dina Farouk.
Adding to its festival screenings in a string of highly prestigious international film festivals, "Factory Girl" had its North American premiere at Montreal World Film Festival in Canada, and then was part of the Ana Contemporary Arab Cinema Festival in New York. On November 9th, 2014, "Factory Girl" concluded the screenings of Twin Cities Arab Film Festival in Minnesota, USA, which was held under the patronage of Mizna.
The film was also screened as part of Shanghai International Film Festival and at the opening ceremony of the Arab Film Festival in Seoul, Korea. Also, the film has taken part at the 20th Kolkata Film Festivalin India within Focus: Arabian Countries section, which showcased 7 films from the Arab world that achieved artistic triumphs at international film festivals.
Moreover, Mohamed Khan's "Factory Girl" was showcased at Safar: A Journey Through Popular Arab Cinema in London, which took place at the Institute of Contemporary Arts (Ica). The film has also been part of the 34th African Film Festival of Verona in Italy within Panorama Africa competition, which encompassed 10 African feature-length films.Following its screening at Franco Arab Film Festival in Jordon, Factory Girl was featured at Carthage Film Festival within Special Sessions section.
The film received financial support from a total of 7 entities including: Dubai International Film Festival's Enjaaz,Abu Dhabi Film Festival's Sanad Fund, Giz institution, Global Film Initiative,Women in Film Foundation and the Ministry of Culture's Filmmaking Fund. The film was also produced by Wika and Middle West Films
International Sales are being handled by Mad Solutions, U.S. Rights are still available.
- 4/1/2015
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Rags and Tatters which I saw in Toronto, at first seemed like a documentary, and it does have doc footage, but it is a circular story that ends where it began but with much more understanding of the chaotic events in Cairo. Really worth watching.
Film Clinic, held the premiere of its new production Rags and Tatters on Monday, November 18th, 2013, at Nile City cinemas in Cairo, with the presence of the film's cast and filmmakers along with several celebrities, critics, and intellectuals who were keen on watching this distinctive experience. Among the celebrities and filmmakers who attended the premiere were: Producer and Scriptwriter Mohamed Hefzy, founder of Film Clinic, Director Ahmed Abdallah, Asser Yassin and Dorra Zarrouk.
Mohamed Hefzy stated that the reason behind launching the film in theaters for only one limited week is that the film market is currently in a recovery phase after ending the curfew that has been imposed for months. He added, "the film is of a special nature and some believe that it unfolds an untraditional narrative experience. I personally think that the audience will enjoy watching the film and maybe having it released for a limited period of time will help draw the attention of the audience who would come to watch it. Of course we wanted to release the film for a longer period in theaters, however the on-going conditions make that impossible."
Ahmed Abdallah's feature Rags and Tatters' release in seven Egyptian film theaters across Cairo and Alexandria by Film Clinic for one week only from November 20th, 2013, makes it the first film in the history of Egyptian cinema where the production house releases its own production for only one week.
The film won the Golden Antigone Prize for the Best Narrative Feature at the 35th Cinemed International Mediterranean Film Festival of Montpellierin France, which has recently closed on November 2nd, 2013. The film took part at the Narrative Features Competition within the 7th Abu Dhabi Film Festival which has recently closed. Recently, Ahmed Abdallah's Microphone placed the 95th among the 100 Most Important Arab Films listed in Cinema of Passion: Dubai International Film Festival. Released by Dubai International Film Festival and supported by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dcaa), the book is considered the first reference book of its kind in the Arab world.
Written and directed by Ahmed Abdallah, the film unfolds a new experience in Egyptian cinema as the story builds up with minimal dialogue between the characters based on visual narration within a balanced equation of documentation and narration. The film tells the story of a prison inmate who escapes from jail following the incidents that took place on January 28th, 2011, when police forces were withdrawn from the streets and chaos prevailed. The film stars Asser Yassin who plays the leading role of the fugitive inmate who moves in a number of poor alienated Egyptian districts.
Rags and Tatters has recently participated in the BFI London Film Festival, the only Arab film competing in the official competition of the prestigious film event this year, and had its world premiere in Toronto International Film Festival, one of the world's most prestigious film events.
Rags and Tatters is produced by Mohamed Hefzy's Film Clinic in co-production with Mashrou', Ahmed Abdallah's new production house formed with Asser Yassin, and Producer and Writer Amr Shama, scriptwriter of After the Battle film. Shot on location in Mansheyet Nasser and Old Cairo, Rags and Tatters also stars Amr Abed, Mohamed Mamdouh, Seif Al Aswani, Yara Gobran and Latifa Fahmi.
Ahmed Abdallah started his career as a film editor in several films, the most distinctive of which is Ain Shams. In 2010, he presented his directorial debut Heliopolis, which tells the story of a group of people living in Heliopolis. Abdallah also directed Microphone, which is about independent music productions and underground art scene in the city of Alexandria, Egypt. Starring Khaled Abul Naga, Hani Adel, and Youssra AlLouzi, the film premiered in Egypt in January 26th, 2011, coinciding with the second day of the revolution at that time. Both of the two films were screened in previous installments of the Toronto International Film Festival.
Film Clinic, held the premiere of its new production Rags and Tatters on Monday, November 18th, 2013, at Nile City cinemas in Cairo, with the presence of the film's cast and filmmakers along with several celebrities, critics, and intellectuals who were keen on watching this distinctive experience. Among the celebrities and filmmakers who attended the premiere were: Producer and Scriptwriter Mohamed Hefzy, founder of Film Clinic, Director Ahmed Abdallah, Asser Yassin and Dorra Zarrouk.
Mohamed Hefzy stated that the reason behind launching the film in theaters for only one limited week is that the film market is currently in a recovery phase after ending the curfew that has been imposed for months. He added, "the film is of a special nature and some believe that it unfolds an untraditional narrative experience. I personally think that the audience will enjoy watching the film and maybe having it released for a limited period of time will help draw the attention of the audience who would come to watch it. Of course we wanted to release the film for a longer period in theaters, however the on-going conditions make that impossible."
Ahmed Abdallah's feature Rags and Tatters' release in seven Egyptian film theaters across Cairo and Alexandria by Film Clinic for one week only from November 20th, 2013, makes it the first film in the history of Egyptian cinema where the production house releases its own production for only one week.
The film won the Golden Antigone Prize for the Best Narrative Feature at the 35th Cinemed International Mediterranean Film Festival of Montpellierin France, which has recently closed on November 2nd, 2013. The film took part at the Narrative Features Competition within the 7th Abu Dhabi Film Festival which has recently closed. Recently, Ahmed Abdallah's Microphone placed the 95th among the 100 Most Important Arab Films listed in Cinema of Passion: Dubai International Film Festival. Released by Dubai International Film Festival and supported by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dcaa), the book is considered the first reference book of its kind in the Arab world.
Written and directed by Ahmed Abdallah, the film unfolds a new experience in Egyptian cinema as the story builds up with minimal dialogue between the characters based on visual narration within a balanced equation of documentation and narration. The film tells the story of a prison inmate who escapes from jail following the incidents that took place on January 28th, 2011, when police forces were withdrawn from the streets and chaos prevailed. The film stars Asser Yassin who plays the leading role of the fugitive inmate who moves in a number of poor alienated Egyptian districts.
Rags and Tatters has recently participated in the BFI London Film Festival, the only Arab film competing in the official competition of the prestigious film event this year, and had its world premiere in Toronto International Film Festival, one of the world's most prestigious film events.
Rags and Tatters is produced by Mohamed Hefzy's Film Clinic in co-production with Mashrou', Ahmed Abdallah's new production house formed with Asser Yassin, and Producer and Writer Amr Shama, scriptwriter of After the Battle film. Shot on location in Mansheyet Nasser and Old Cairo, Rags and Tatters also stars Amr Abed, Mohamed Mamdouh, Seif Al Aswani, Yara Gobran and Latifa Fahmi.
Ahmed Abdallah started his career as a film editor in several films, the most distinctive of which is Ain Shams. In 2010, he presented his directorial debut Heliopolis, which tells the story of a group of people living in Heliopolis. Abdallah also directed Microphone, which is about independent music productions and underground art scene in the city of Alexandria, Egypt. Starring Khaled Abul Naga, Hani Adel, and Youssra AlLouzi, the film premiered in Egypt in January 26th, 2011, coinciding with the second day of the revolution at that time. Both of the two films were screened in previous installments of the Toronto International Film Festival.
- 11/21/2013
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.