THE SEA AHEAD and DAUGHTERS OF ABDULRAHMAN share an award presented by the Cairo Film Society Festival

release date May 24 2023

THE SEA AHEAD and DAUGHTERS OF ABDULRAHMAN — two hits from MAD Solutions’ distribution slate — have been declared two of the Best Three Films Screened in 2022 at the 49th Cairo Film Society Festival, which is running from May 6th to the 20th at the Cairo Opera House.

The awards were announced at the festival's closing ceremony, where Fajr Suleiman — who worked on the film’s soundtrack — was present to accept the award on behalf of THE SEA AHEAD’s cast and crew.

THE SEA AHEAD follows Jana, who returns to Beirut after having been away for a long time. Suddenly, she finds herself reconnecting with the familiar yet strange life she once left behind.

The film screened at several international film festivals, including BFI London, Sao Paulo, El Gouna, Duhok, Festival International du Film Francophone de Namur, CINEMED, and the Red Sea.

Directed and written by Ely Dagher, THE SEA AHEAD stars Manal Issa, Yara Abou Haidar, Rabih El Zaher, and Roger Azar. The film is produced by Andolfi Production (Arnaud Dommerc), in association with Beachside, and co-produced by Abbout Productions (Myriam Sassine); Wrong Men, and Beaver and Beaver.

Meanwhile, DAUGHTERS OF ABDULRAHMAN follows the storyline of Zainab, who wakes up to a shocking discovery that could defame her in the neighborhood. She quickly calls for her sister Amaal’s aid. However, fiery Amaal has her own problems with their other sister Samah – who is too busy to be there – while Khitam, the fourth sister, is busy with her own goals in life.

The movie has already received the Audience Award at three prestigious festivals — the Middle East Now Film Festival in Italy, the FEST – New Directors/New Films Festival in Portugal, and the Cairo International Film Festival, where it held its world premiere.

Additionally, it screened at the Amman International Film Festival - Awal Film, where it was well received, selling out its tickets as soon as they were available.

Written and directed by Zaid Abu Hamdan, DAUGHTERS OF ABDULRAHMAN stars Saba Mubarak, Farah Bsaiso, Hanan Al-Hilo, Mariam Al-Basha, and Khalid Al-Tarifi. The film was produced by Pan East Media, Lagoonie Film Production, Wika Production and Distribution, and the Arab Media Network.

The Cairo Film Society Festival is held annually at the Cairo Opera House to celebrate the art of cinema and draw attention to the best films screened throughout the year as well as shed light on the best talents in the Egyptian market. The festival also provides a forum for filmmakers, critics, scholars, and audiences to engage in meaningful discussions about cinema and its role in society.