MAD World, the film sales division of the pan-Arab independent studio MAD Solutions, has acquired the worldwide distribution rights for “The Settlement,” a working-class thriller by Egyptian director Mohamed Rashad that combines elements of family drama. The film is set to make its world debut at the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival from February 13 to 25, showcasing its work in the newly launched competition section, Perspectives.
This marks Rashad’s feature narrative debut, returning to Berlinale, where his project previously received funding from the Berlinale World Cinema Fund in 2022. Known for his acclaimed 2016 documentary, “Little Eagles,” which explored leftist activism in Egypt during the 1970s and his family’s involvement, Rashad’s new film promises to resonate with audiences.
“The Settlement” draws inspiration from true events, following two brothers—23-year-old rebellious Hossam and his 12-year-old sibling Maro—who navigate life in a marginalized neighbourhood of Alexandria. Following their father’s tragic death in a workplace incident, a local factory offers the brothers jobs as compensation, pressuring them to drop any legal claims. As they settle into their new roles, doubts arise regarding the circumstances of their father’s passing.
The film’s narrative is deeply personal for Rashad, rooted in his experiences within Alexandria’s industrial landscape, where his father spent over four decades working in textile factories. The story was further inspired by an account from a law school graduate whose father died in a construction accident and whose family faced coercion to waive their legal rights for employment. Through “The Settlement,” Rashad highlights various industries’ hazardous working conditions and exploitative practices.
The film features a cast of emerging talents, including Adham Shoukry, Ziad Islam, Hajar Omar, Mohamed Abdel Hady, and Emad Ghoneim. Mahmoud Lotfi handles the cinematography, while Heba Othman edits, known for her acclaimed work on the Sudanese film Goodbye Julia.
A collaborative production involving Egypt, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, “The Settlement” is produced by Hala Lotfy of Hassala Films in Cairo, alongside co-producers Etienne de Ricaud from Caractères Productions in Paris, Kesmat Elsayed from Seera Films GmbH in Berlin, and ART in Jeddah.
Various notable international organizations have supported the film, including the IFFR’s Hubert Bals Fund, Doha Film Institute, Arab Fund for Arts and Culture, Red Sea Development Fund, Fonds Image de la Francophonie, and El Gouna Film Festival’s CineGouna Platform.
Rashad reflected on his five-year journey with “The Settlement,” expressing his pride in casting unknown actors and involving real workers in significant roles. He emphasized the importance of filming in authentic locations around Alexandria to capture the true essence of the industrial environment.
Producer Hala Lotfy shared insights about the film’s challenging yet rewarding production process, highlighting their commitment to authenticity in location shooting across Cairo and Alexandria.
French co-producer Etienne de Ricaud referred to his collaboration with Rashad as a blessing, citing the shared vision of human relationships and cinematic storytelling that united the team. Meanwhile, German co-producer Kesmat Elsayed described the endeavour as a profound labour of love during a difficult period for independent film production in Egypt, praising Lotfy’s resilience and dedication.
Together, they hope that “The Settlement,” through its compelling storytelling and cultural representation, can reach a global audience and shed light on important social issues.
