The biographical drama El Sett, which tells the remarkable story of the iconic Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum, is now available to stream on MBC Shahid and has rapidly become the platform’s most popular movie.
Directed by Marwan Hamed and featuring Mona Zaki in the titular role, the film follows the incredible journey of Umm Kulthum, a figure celebrated as one of the most significant influences in Arab music history. Its release on streaming platforms follows a successful theatrical run and several international festival showings.
As an expansive biographical drama, El Sett details Umm Kulthum’s ascent from her modest origins in Egypt’s Nile Delta to her status as a cultural icon, whose music echoed throughout the Arab world. The storyline spans different phases of her life, including her landmark concert at the Olympia in Paris in 1967, while delving into her artistic growth, personal challenges, and impact during pivotal political and social transformations in the region.
The screenplay, penned by Egyptian writer Ahmed Mourad, is supported by a talented cast including Mohamed Farrag, Sayed Ragab, Ahmed Khaled Saleh, and Tamer Nabil. Additionally, the production features contributions from composer Hesham Nazih and Oscar-nominated sound designer Wayne Pashley.
El Sett made its international premiere at the 2025 Marrakech International Film Festival, followed by screenings at major festivals, including the International Film Festival Rotterdam, where it was included in a retrospective of Hamed’s work. Critics and festival curators praised the film’s ambitious representation of the singer’s life and her significance as a symbol of Arab cultural heritage.
For Mona Zaki, one of the most renowned actresses in the Arab world, taking on the role of Umm Kulthum was one of the most daunting challenges of her career. The film traces the singer’s evolution from a young performer of religious songs in rural Egypt to a formidable artist and businesswoman whose voice defined a generation.
The strong viewer response on Shahid highlights Umm Kulthum’s enduring legacy and the ongoing interest in Arabic-language biographical dramas honouring influential cultural figures. With El Sett now at the top of the platform’s movie listings, the film is reaching a broader audience across the Middle East and North Africa through its digital release.
