MAD Solutions has officially announced that the Sudanese coming-of-age drama, Cotton Queen, will be released in UAE theatres. This film, which has received acclaim on the international festival circuit, will be part of CineMAD. This pan-Arab film initiative showcases distinguished Arab productions to broader audiences across the region.
Coton Queen will be screened at prominent locations, including Reel Cinemas at The Dubai Mall, Vox Cinemas at Mall of the Emirates and Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi, and Roxy Cinemas at City Walk and Al Khawaneej. Additionally, Cinema Akil at Alserkal Avenue, known as the Gulf’s first independent cinema, will host special screenings in collaboration with MAD Solutions to highlight the film’s appeal within the arthouse cinema community.
Directed by Suzannah Mirghani, a Russian-Sudanese filmmaker making her feature debut, Cotton Queen comes to the UAE following a successful festival journey. The film first premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. It went on to win the Golden Alexander Award for Best Feature Film at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival, solidifying its reputation on the global stage.
Set in a secluded cotton-growing village in Sudan, the film intertwines political themes with elements of magical realism as it follows Nafisa, an introspective and ambitious teenager, grappling with the challenges of tradition versus modernity. Inspired by her grandmother Al-Sit’s stories of resistance, Nafisa’s life takes a turn when a businessman arrives with plans to introduce genetically modified cotton seeds, leading to a conflict that threatens her community’s long-standing values.
The film’s production is poignant, especially given that it was originally intended to be shot in Sudan. However, due to the outbreak of conflict there in 2023, filming was moved to Egypt. Completed in just 25 days, Cotton Queen features a cast entirely comprised of Sudanese refugees, representing a powerful commentary on displacement, resilience, and the enduring strength of Sudanese women.
The cast includes Mihad Murtada as Nafisa, along with Rabha Mohamed Mahmoud, Talaat Fareed, Haram Bisheer, Mohamed Musa, and Hassan Mohi El Din. Behind the scenes, a diverse international team contributed to the film, including cinematographer Frida Marzouk, composer Amine Bouhafa, and editors Amparo Mejías, Simon Blasi, and Frank Müller.
This international co-production brings together companies from Germany, France, Palestine, Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. The film was produced by Caroline Daube and Didar Domehri, with notable co-producers such as acclaimed Palestinian filmmaker Annemarie Jacir, Ossama Bawardi, Jessica Khoury, Mohamed Hefzy, Alaa Karkouti, and Maher Diab.
