Following its roaring success since its release across the Arab world in 2014, Marwan Hamed's The Blue Elephant was picked for the Official Competition within the 14th Marrakech International Film Festival. Marking the only film to represent Egyptian cinema at this year's edition, The Blue Elephant will screen on December 8th, with the attendance of Marwan Hamed who will be present during the festival's period (December 5-13).

The Blue Elephant's participation at Marrakech International Film marks a strong comeback of Egyptian films after a long time of absence. This comes as Hamed's third time at the festival following the massive success of the Egyptian blockbuster, which raked in over 31 million EGP after its roll out in theatres across Egypt and the GCC states.

The film follows Yehia who returns to work in Al Abasyia psychiatric Hospital, after spending 5 years in voluntary isolation. He works in the sector which examines the mental health of perpetrators where he has the encounter of an old friend who brings back bitter memories that he tried hard to forget, which turns his life upside down. Attempting to unravel the mysteries of his friend, Yehia embarks on a journey exploring his inner self, or the shattered remnants of it.

Directed by Marwan Hamed, The Blue Elephant is a cinematic adaptation of Ahmed Morad's celebrated best seller of the same name which was released in 2012 and was included on the Man Booker Prize 2012 shortlist.

Starring Karim Abdelaziz, Khaled Elsawy, Nelly Karim and veteran Lebleba, The Blue Elephant is produced by Albatros Film Production and Distribution, founded by producer Kamel Abu Ali since 2003, in collaboration with Al Shorouk Production and Lighthouse Films, which is co-founded in 2007 by Director/Producer Marwan Hamed and Fadi Fahim.

As part of the official competition at Marrakech International Film Festival, The Blue Elephant contends against 13 feature-length films for the festival's Grand Prix (Golden Star). Headed by the French comedian Isabelle Huppert, the festival's jury board encompasses revered British actor Alan Rickman, Danish director Susanne Bier, Moroccan director Mo'men Samihey, Italian director Mario Martone, French director Bertrand Bonello, Roman director Christian Mangaboas well as the Indian director Ritesh Batra. This year's edition encompasses 87 films from 22 countries, whereas the honorees' list includes Egyptian veteran Adel Emam, British actor Jeremy Irons and American star Viggo Mortensen.