Karim Kassem’s "Madonna" to World Premiere at 11th Tripoli Film Festival

Riding high on the heels of its world premiere at the prestigious Luxor African Film Festival, John Fareed Zaki's gripping short film "Madonna" will have its world premiere at the 11th Tripoli Film Festival in Lebanon, taking place from September 19-25.

It is also set to compete in the Arab Film Official Competition.

Taking place in Egypt, the pic follows abbots attempt to conceal the theft of an Italian painter's archeological artifact to avoid a scandal, reigniting an old conflict between Father Maurice and Francis due to their different views on life.

Suspicions fall on Suad, the monastery's chef, as her daughter needs surgery she cannot afford, prompting Maurice to suspect her involvement. 

However, a dramatic turn of events unfolds, surprising everyone.

Commenting on the inspiration behind his film, Zaki said, “Growing up in a Christian community, I witnessed untold stories and hidden struggles. A pivotal moment for me was seeing a poor woman ask a monk for money in a church filled with valuable antiques. This led me to question why we preserve such treasures while people in need go without help.”

“Madonna explores this dilemma: Should we value heritage over immediate human needs?," he added.

Zaki directed the pic from a screenplay co-written with Abanoub Nabil.

"Madonna" stars Abd El Aziz Makhyoun, Karim Kassem, and Gerorge Sassine.

The producers include Kassem, Adolph El-Asal, and the Jesuit Cultural Center in Alexandria, with support from the US Embassy in Cairo, the Goethe Institute, and the British Council in Alexandria.

It is also lensed by Filopater Morad and edited by Sara Abdullah, with MAD Distribution handling distribution and sales in the MENA region and MAD World in charge of worldwide sales.

Zaki — a graduate of the Jesuit Film School in Alexandria — is passionate about telling the heartbreaking stories of those forced to flee their homelands.

Throughout his career, he has created numerous commercials for high-profile organizations like Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Orascom.

The Egyptian filmmaker's filmography includes several acclaimed short films such as "Papa Told Me", "The Dream", "Port Saeed Street", "Our Last Journey Together".

Zaki is developing a new project that has secured production funding from the Annaba Film Festival.