In cooperation with Nuqat, Cinescape Laila will screen five films, distributed by MAD Solutions, on November 24, 26 and 27. These films are: Ali, the Goat and Ibrahim by Sherif El Bendary, The Journey by Mohamed Al Daradji, Gaza Surf Club by Philip Gnadt and Mickey Yamine, The Guest: Aleppo-Istanbul by Andaç Haznederoğlu and Nanny Culture by Paul James Driscoll.
Based in Kuwait, Nuqat is a non-profit organization for cultural development that aims to nurture Arab talent’s creativity through training programs, lectures and recreational and cultural activities.

About Ali, the Goat and Ibrahim:

Ali, the Goat and Ibrahim follows a strange love story of a young man living in a rough neighborhood. He travels across Egypt on the recommendation of a psychic along with Ibrahim who is almost driven mad by the voices he hears in his head. Their journey turns into a voyage of friendship and self-discovery.

The film stars Ali Sobhi, Ahmed Magdy, Salwa Mohamed Aly and Nahed El Sebai. Directed by Sherif El Bendary, Ali, the Goat and Ibrahim is written by Ahmed Amer, based on Ibrahim El Batout's story, and produced by Mohamed Hefzy's Film Clinic, Transit Films of Hossam Elouan, and the French film production company Arizona Productions led by Guillaume de Seille, along with Daniel Ziskind as Associate Producer. The film's distribution in the Arab world is jointly handled by MAD Solutions and Film Clinic-Indie Distribution (FCID), while its worldwide distribution is handled by the French sales agent Loco Films.

Screening Times:
Sunday, November 24, at 4:00 PM and 10:20 PM

About The Journey:

Set in Bagdad, 2006. As Sara stands on the cusp of committing an unthinkable act, an unforeseen and awkward encounter gives her the opportunity to witness the potential consequences of her destructive action. But is this a second chance or an admission of guilt?

Directed by Mohamed Al Daradji, who co-wrote the film with Isabelle Stead, The Journey stars Zahraa Ghandour and Ameer Jbara. The film is produced by Human Film, Iraqi Independent Film Center (IIFC), in cooperation with Lionceau Films, Iraq Al-Rafidain and Iraqi Media Network. The Journey received grants from the Doha Film Institute, AFAC - The Arab Fund for Arts and Culture, World Cinema Fund (WCF), the Centre National du Cinéma et de l'image Animée (CNC) of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development, Institut Français, Netherlands Film Fund, SANAD Development Fund (Abu Dhabi Film Festival) and Screen Yorkshire. The film is distributed in the Arab world by MAD Solutions.

Screening Times:
Wednesday, November 27, at 10:30 PM

About Gaza Surf Club:
Trapped in "the world's largest open-air prison" and ruled by war, a new generation is drawn to the country's coastline. Sick of occupation and political gridlock, they find their own personal freedom in the waves of the Mediterranean - they are the surfers of Gaza.

Directed by Philip Gnadt and Mickey Yamine and co-produced by Stephanie Yamine, Gaza Surf Club is a feature documentary film that stars Sabah Abu Ghanem, Mohammed Abu Jayab and Ibrahim Arafat. MAD Solutions handles the film's distribution in the Arab world.

Screening Times:
Tuesday, November 26, at 4:00 PM and 10:20 PM

About The Guest: Aleppo-Istanbul
Written and directed by Turkish director Andaç Haznederoğlu, The Guest: Aleppo-Istanbul stars Saba Mubarak and child Rawan Skeif, alongside a number of real Syrian refugees who are acting for the first time. The film is a co-production between the Turkish companies; Andaç Film Productions, Istanbul Digital (ID) and Istanbul Film Production (IFP); and the Jordanian company Pan East Media. The film project has received financial support from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. MAD Solutions handles the film's distribution in the Arab world.

The film follows the journey of Lena and Meryem during their escape from the war in Syria. Lena is a ten-year-old girl who has lost her family in the war. She finds herself forced to make her way to Turkey with her baby sister and their neighbor Meryem, along with the other refugees. Lena wants to return home, while Meryem's hope is reach Europe.

Screening Times:
Wednesday, November 27, at 4:00 PM

About Nanny Culture:
The 80-minute film follows an Emirati family in Abu Dhabi, who temporarily hires the services of a British nanny to help them organize their six children's daily activities and study schedules. This leads to resentment between the nanny and the children, especially after changing their daily routines.
Directed by Paul James Driscoll, Nanny Culture is produced by Anasy Media Production and distributed by MAD Solutions across the Arab world. The film stars social media personality Abdulaziz Al Jassmi (Bin Baz), as well as musician and singer Omara "Bombino" Moctar who contributed his song "Tim Tar".

Screening Times:
Wednesday, November 27, at 06:00 PM