MAD Solutions sends three short films from its distribution list to take part in the fifth edition of the Alexandria Short Film Festival that is taking place from 3 to 8 April. The selected MAD films are Zahraa by director Wareth Kwaish, in its Arab world premiere; as well as SACRILÈGE by director Christophe M. Saber and Astra by director Nidhal Guiga that are both landing their Egyptian premieres.

Alexandria Short Film Festival is an annual festival held in April in Alexandria. It was founded and organized by the Da'rat Al Fann Association. Its aim is to spread the culture of the short film and establish an exchange between Arab cultures. The festival also organizes free workshops and seminars throughout the year.

About Zahraa:

The short film tells the story of Zahraa, a 13-year-old girl who goes to the mosque on a normal day to learn Quran reading. She reaches maturity inside the mosque!

Written and directed by Wareth Kwaish, Zahraa stars Ali Najem and Sama Alaa. MAD Solutions is handling the film's distribution across the Arab world. Zahraa took part in the Eko International Film Festival in Paris, France.

About SACRILÈGE:

The short film tells the story of Saoud, who is the king of his neighborhood in Saint Etienne, France. A rumor comes up that he might have stolen money from the local mosque. Saoud faces a violent series of accusations which will lead to his fall and exile.

The film took part in more than 18 film festivals and won the Best Short Film award at the Max Ophüls Preis in Germany, Special Jury Mention at the Extérieur Nuit in France, and the Best Actor Award at the Festival du Cinéma Européen de Lille in France.

Written and directed by Christophe M. Saber, SACRILÈGE stars Mehdi Djaadi and Jérémie Saber, and is produced by Elodie Brunner, Elena Tatti, and François Morisset. MAD Solutions is distributing the film in the Arab world.

About Astra:

Astra follows Dali, who takes care of his daughter Douja who has Down Syndrome. One day and against his wife's advice, Dali takes Douha to an amusement park called Astra. In this park, a bizarre world is revealed to them.

Astra made its world premiere at the 14th Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), where it competed in the Muhr Short competition. It also won the Bronze Tanit Award at the Carthage Film Festival in its premiere in its homeland of Tunisia.

Written and directed by Nidhal Guiga, Astra stars Nejib Belkadhi, Douja Boukhriss, Nour Mkaouer, Yasmine Ben Mahmoud and Nidhal Guiga. The film is produced by Dora Bouchoucha (Nomadis Images), Imed Marzouk (Propaganda Productions) and Omar Ben Ali (SVP) with the support of the Centre national du Cinéma et de l'image Animée (CNC) and the Ministry of Culture - Tunisia. MAD Solutions is handling the film's distribution in the Arab world.