Alisha Cannot Fly" Receives Warm Welcome at Marrakech International Film Festival
The Egyptian film "Alisha Cannot Fly" receives standing ovation at its Arab premiere in Marrakech, following global screenings and multiple international awards
The Marrakech International Film Festival hosted the Arab premiere of the Egyptian film "Alisha Cannot Fly" directed by Murad Mustafa, receiving enthusiastic applause and acclaim. The screening was attended by the director, producer Sawsan Youssef, cinematographer Mostafa El-Kashef, and lead actor Emad Ghoneim. ✨🎬
The film had its world premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes Film Festival, and later screened in over 15 international festivals, winning awards including:
🏆 FIPRESCI Prize at Yerevan International Film Festival
🏆 Grand Prize at Villa del Cine Festival in Colombia
🏆 Palm d’Or Jury Prize at Valencia Mediterranean Film Festival
🏆 Special Jury Prize at Namur International Francophone Film Festival
Produced jointly by Egypt, France, Germany, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Sudan, the film tells the story of Alisha, a 26-year-old Sudanese healthcare worker in Cairo, navigating conflicts with migrant colleagues, local gangs, and personal ethical challenges, while striving to overcome fears and pursue her dreams. 🌟💫
Starring Poliana Simon, Ziad Zaza, Emad Ghoneim, and Mamdouh Saleh, with editing by Mohamed Mamdouh, cinematography by Mostafa El-Kashef, costume design Naira El-Dahshouri, sound Mostafa Shaaban, and production design Iman Al-Albi. 🎬✨
The project received support from Doha Film Institute, Al Mawred Cultural Fund, El Gouna Film Festival, Locarno Academy, Cinefondation, and Montpellier Festival, and won the Red Sea Lodge Grand Prize, five awards at Final Cut in Venice, including the Major Post-Production Support Prize, and the Atlas Workshops Grand Prize at Marrakech worth $25,000. 🏆🌍
Produced by Bonanza Films (Sawsan Youssef) with participation from Nomadis Images (Tunisia), Shift Studios, A.A. Films, Cinewaves Films, MAD Solutions, Mayana Films, Co-Origins, and Arabia Pictures, with co-producer Amjad Abu Al-Ala.
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