Following the highly anticipated premiere of CineMAD at Nile Cinema, MAD Solutions is proud to announce that the DROP THE BEAT shorts program, featuring 60 EGP, SMOKEY Arab Egyptian rappers and contemporary storytelling, bringing together award-winning films that have already made an impact at international festivals EYES, and SIMO, will be released at Zawya starting Friday, January 30th. For all those who missed the premiere, this is the perfect chance to catch the program and experience these films on the big screen.
 
The program features 60 EGP, directed by Amr Salama and starring Ziad Zaza, Tarek El-Deweri, Hamza Diab, and Rawheya Salem. The film premiered as the opening feature at the El Gouna Film Festival and is inspired by Ziad Zaza’s song of the same name, produced by Ismail Nosrat. It tells the story of Ziad, who finds his only escape from an abusive father through writing lyrics. As tensions escalate at home, he takes decisive action to change the course of his life. The film tackles themes of family struggle, resilience, and artistic expression.
 
SIMO, written and directed by Aziz Zoromba, stars Aladeen Tawfeek, Basel El-Rayes, and Seif El-Rayes. The film had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival and has screened at numerous international festivals including Toronto, Berlin, and Zawya Shorts in Egypt, where it won the Audience Award and Best Film Award. SIMO follows the complex relationship between two brothers, whose bond is challenged by competition and jealousy. When Simo takes over his brother’s online gaming channel to prove himself, his actions spiral into consequences that could impact the family’s future.
 
SMOKEY EYES, directed by Ali Ali and written by Nancy Ali, stars Malak Bazid, Marwan Moussa, Hassan Abouelrouss, Nourine Abouseada, and Mohamed Aboughali. The film premiered at the Red Sea International Film Festival and captures a night in Cairo during the winter of 2013, where Nour carefully plans a date with her boyfriend Figo. A simple drive through the city under curfew turns into a tense journey, reflecting the challenges of freedom, romance, and social restrictions for young women in the city.
 
The DROP THE BEAT program highlights contemporary Arab storytelling through the lens of music, youth, and urban life. The screenings at Zawya provide audiences with an opportunity to experience the creativity of award-winning filmmakers while celebrating the vibrant Arab rap scene.