Key Takeaways
- Mad World has acquired global sales rights to ‘Al Baraneya’.
- The film is directed by Ashgan El-Hamus and focuses on a pregnant woman in Egypt.
- ‘Al Baraneya’ will premiere at the Venice Film Festival’s Giornate degli Autori.
- This marks a collaboration between Mad World and Seera Films.
Acquisition Details
Mad World, the sales division of Cairo-based Mad Solutions, has secured worldwide sales rights to the Egyptian drama ‘Al Baraneya’. The film is set to debut at the Venice Film Festival’s Giornate degli Autori section.
About the Film
‘Al Baraneya’ is the first feature film by Dutch-Egyptian director Ashgan El-Hamus. It tells the story of Al Amal, a young pregnant woman living with her extended family in the village of Al Baraneya. The narrative explores the family’s struggle when they are presented with an opportunity to sell their land, challenging Amal’s connection to her traditions and her aspirations for a new life in the city.
Production Team
The film is a collaborative effort involving producers Frank Hoeve from Baldr Film in Amsterdam, Kesmat Elsayed from Seera Films in Berlin, and Eurydice Gysel from Czar Film in Brussels. This project represents a Dutch-Egyptian-Belgian-Saudi co-production.
Director’s Vision
El-Hamus, who has previously directed acclaimed short films, aims to create an authentic representation of family and womanhood. She incorporates her own family members into the cast, alongside actress Reem Amer, to enhance the film’s authenticity. “I wanted to tell a story about belonging, womanhood, and the quiet tension between tradition and change through characters whose relationships feel lived rather than performed,” she explained.
Mad World’s Statement
Co-founders of Mad Solutions, Alaa Karkouti and Maher Diab, expressed their excitement about bringing ‘Al Baraneya’ to a global audience. They praised El-Hamus for crafting a deeply personal debut that reflects the richness of Arab storytelling through a universal lens. The film’s international journey will begin with its premiere in Venice.
