World Premiere in Marrakech: 'In the Shadows of Cairo'
The highly anticipated Egyptian film 'In the Shadows of Cairo', directed by the talented duo Rani and Salim Masalha, is poised to make its global debut at the prestigious Marrakech International Film Festival. The festival, which is celebrating its 23rd edition, is scheduled to take place from November 20 to 28, 2026. This event marks a significant occasion not only for the filmmakers but also for the Moroccan film landscape, as it continues to attract international attention and celebrate cinematic excellence.
A Powerful Narrative Set in Cairo
'In the Shadows of Cairo' draws inspiration from true events and follows the poignant story of Salim, who returns to the Zabaleen neighborhood in Manchiyet Nasser, Cairo, after a lengthy absence. Upon his return, he assumes responsibility for his family's pig farm and strives to reconnect with the community he had distanced himself from over the years. However, his return coincides with the outbreak of the swine flu pandemic, which brings forth significant political and social anxieties. In response to the crisis, the government issues a decree to cull all pigs, plunging the residents into a dire situation that threatens their livelihood. As the neighborhood transforms into a battleground, Salim finds himself compelled to risk everything in defense of his community and their right to exist.
Directors Rani and Salim Masalha have expressed their excitement about presenting their film for the first time at an international Arab film festival. They acknowledged the importance of the Marrakech International Film Festival and its ambition to reach a global cinematic audience. The directors emphasized the value of collaborating with a sales company that shares their cultural background, highlighting that selecting an Egyptian entity for global sales aids in introducing the film to various markets while preserving its cultural identity and essence.
Furthermore, the founders of MAD Solutions, Maher Diab and Alaa Karkouti, conveyed their enthusiasm for continuing their partnership with Rani Masalha through this new film, following their previous collaborations on 'Gaza Mon Amour' and 'Once Upon a Time in Gaza'. They affirmed that 'In the Shadows of Cairo' provides a bold and humanistic perspective on a narrative rooted in the heart of Egyptian society, expressing pride in supporting its cinematic journey that begins at the Marrakech Festival, one of the region's most prominent film events.
The cast of 'In the Shadows of Cairo' features notable talents including Hassan Malek, Tara Emad, Kamel El-Basha, Hamza El-Aili, Jihad Hossam El-Din, Karim Adriano, and Mina Mumtaz. The film is co-directed by Rani and Salim Masalha, with a screenplay penned by Gladys Marciano, Valéry Maure, and Rani Masalha. The artistic team includes Eric Dufranne as the director of photography, Julia Grigory as the editor, and sound duties managed by Bruno Chaffaizgot, Antoine François, and Fred Demolder, with the musical score composed by Ameen Bouhafa.
The film is produced by Muriel Merline, Habib Atiyah, Ahmed Fawzi, Isabelle Moulin, and Rani Masalha, under the production house LES FILMS DU TAMBOUR, in a collaborative effort involving France, Belgium, Tunisia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, with MAD World handling international sales.
As reported by elnabaa.net.
