The first MAFF Market Forum of the 5th Malmo Arab Film Festival, which took place from 2 to 6 October 2015, has resulted in an agreement between MAD Solutions, The Producers and Wady Films to see the first Luxembourg/Arab co-production created.

Feature narrative Sawah was written by Dennis Foon and will be directed by Luxembourg-based Egyptian director Adolf El Assal. Main protagonist, the 29-year-old graduate student Samir, arrives in the Grand Duchy, mistaking it for Brussels, and must decide which path to take in remaining where he is or returning home.

Filming has been scheduled for late 2016, with the final product the result of a collaboration between Luxembourg-based Wady Films and The Producers, established in the Egyptian capital Cairo.

"I am making a film about things that keep people apart - and the humanity that can bring us together," said director Adolf El Assal on his new creation. His first feature film as a producer was selected at over 100 festivals and his 2010 short 'God's Hand' has won awards. "My hope is to make a truly international film that will help build bridges between us".

"As our first major production with the Arab world, we feel that we found the right partners here in Malmo," continued producer Wekas Gaba. "We share the same values and I believe this project will be a milestone for the new generation of filmmakers".

Hani Osama of The Producers expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating: "Joining Wady Films and MAD Solutions in a joint productions is a very challenging step. Sawah is a fresh film project presenting a mix of the Egyptian and European culture through a story that will attract audiences domestically and internationally".

Dennis Foon, writer of 'Sawah', highlighted the difficulties in creating the film. "Sawah is a film about identity, borders and ethnicity. A human comedy about some of the most pressing issues of our day. The challenges are great. There is a wide range of characters, the film takes place in at least four countries and is voiced in about six languages".

 


Photo by Wady Films