Ahmed Helmy Honors Palestinian Film at Rotterdam Arab Film Festival

At the closing ceremony of the Rotterdam Arab Film Festival, renowned Egyptian actor Ahmed Helmy took a poignant stand in support of the Palestinian cause. After being honored by the festival, Helmy dedicated his award to the Palestinian film "LYD," directed by Rami Younis and Sarah Friedland. In a symbolic gesture, Helmy invited Younis to the stage, highlighting his solidarity with the Palestinian people.

The Rotterdam Arab Film Festival is an esteemed annual international event held in the coastal city of Rotterdam, Netherlands. It is known for its focus on films from the Middle East and North Africa and related cultural activities.

"LYD" premised at the Amman International Film Festival in Jordan, where it competed in the Arab Feature Documentary Competition. The film won the Jury Prize for Best Documentary and the FIPRESCI Award. Recently, it also received audience awards at two festivals: Best Documentary at the Houston Palestine Film Festival and Best Feature Film at the San Diego Arab Film Festival.

Directed by Rami Younis and Sarah Friedland, with script contributions from Eyas Salman, "LYD" features executive production by Roger Waters of Pink Floyd fame and voice work by Maisa Abd Elhadi. The film delves into the history of the city of Lod, once a crucial link between Palestine and the world, exploring its past, present, and imagined future. MAD World handles the film's global sales, while MAD Distribution oversees its distribution in the Arab world.