In a significant acknowledgment of their filmic narrative and cultural representation, two cinematic masterpieces from MAD Solutions’ portfolio have been feted at the recently held Toronto Arab Film Festival (June 20-30). Karim Bensalah’s poignant drama, SIX FEET OVER, captured the covetous Nakheel Award for Best Feature Film, while Hend Bakr’s absorbing documentary, THE TEDIOUS TOUR OF M, was honored with an Honorable Mention for Best Feature Film.
Bensalah’s Algerian-French drama, SIX FEET OVER, has already made waves across various film festivals, kicking off at the Montpellier Mediterranean Film Festival with its world premiere. It earned the Best Screenplay Award at the Red Sea International Film Festival, where it also had its Arab World premiere. The compelling narrative follows Sofiane, a peripatetic son of a former Algerian embassy clerk, who embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery when his visa is revoked, and he works for a Muslim funeral home.
The film was directed and co-written by Karim Bensalah and Jamal Belmahi, and features an emerging Moroccan actor, Hamza Meziani, and veteran Algerian actor, Kader Affak. With MAD Distribution handling the film’s Arab-speaking world distribution, and The Party Film Sales managing its global distribution, the film is set to touch hearts worldwide.
Meanwhile, Hend Bakr’s Egyptian documentary, THE TEDIOUS TOUR OF M, delves into the self-imposed solitude of Mohamed Hafez Ragab, a celebrated writer in the annals of modern Egyptian literature. Bakr explores the reasons behind Ragab’s choice to self-isolate for over 30 years, abandoning his writing career at its zenith. The film has already garnered a Special Jury Mention for Humanity and Continuity at the Independent International Documentary Film Festival in Moscow.
MAD World is overseeing the documentary’s worldwide sales, while MAD Distribution assumes responsibility for distribution in the MENA region, ensuring a global audience for this fascinating piece of cinematic exploration. With such notable recognitions, these two films continue to assert the potency of Arab cinema on the international stage.