Egyptian star-studded film Maqsoum is screening in the official competition of the 5th edition of the Casablanca Arab Film Festival, which is held from September 6 to 13 in Casablanca.
“Maqsoum” premiered on January 18 and is set in a social comedy-musical backdrop following a female retired band consisting of Rania, Hind, and Imane, played by Laila Elwy, Shereen Reda, and Samaa Ibrahem, respectively.
The trio used to form a musical group in the 1990s, but the group disbanded at that time due to disagreements among them. They receive an invitation to perform at a concert in Aswan, allowing them to reunite.
The cast also includes Sarah Abdel Rahman, Amr Wahba, and more. Kawthar Younis directs the project from a screenplay by Haitham Dabbour.
The film is co-produced by Film Square Productions, Blue Print Productions, Synergy Films, Magic Beans Productions, Misr International Films, and New Century. Orient Films will distribute the pic overseas.
“Maqsoum" features songs by Lebanese recording artist, Nancy Ajram: the first song is “Maqsoum," with lyrics by Tamer Mahdy. The second track is “Qalb Ya El Mehtas,” written by Menna Al-Qai’i. Both tracks were composed by Ehab Abdel Wahed.
Founded in 2018, the Casablanca Arab Film Festival has become a vital platform for showcasing impactful Arab films and promoting cinema education.
It offers expert-led workshops that explore the unique realities and challenges faced by Arab cinema, delving into the creative processes and obstacles that shape the industry in these countries.
The festival's mission is to foster a vibrant cinema culture, with a special emphasis on engaging the youth.
Through bringing together talented actors, directors, and industry professionals from the Arab world, it celebrates their work within the international city of Casablanca, creating a bridge between local and global cinema communities.
The festival boasts two official competitions: one for short films and another for feature-length films. Each year, we screen over 40 documentaries, short films, and features from across the Arab world, providing a rich and diverse cinematic experience.
The 5th edition immerses attendees in a week of captivating films, engaging discussions, and a vibrant celebration of the best in Arab cinema.