Imagine a cinematic celebration so grand, it's the first of its kind outside a director's own country. That's precisely what's happening at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) in 2026! They're honoring the incredible career of Egyptian director Marwan Hamed with a full retrospective. But here's where it gets controversial... some might say it's about time a director of his caliber received such international recognition, while others might question if his work truly transcends cultural boundaries.
The festival will proudly present the European premiere of Hamed's highly anticipated film, El Sett, a biopic chronicling the life of the legendary Egyptian singer and actress, Umm Kulthum. This isn't just any film; it stars the immensely talented Mona Zaki (known for Flight 404) and Mohamed Farag (Voy!Voy!Voy!), adding even more star power to an already compelling project. Beyond El Sett, the retrospective will showcase a curated selection of Hamed's films from the past two decades, offering a comprehensive look at his artistic evolution.
IFFR organizers are clearly impressed. They highlighted how Hamed's films consistently break box office records in Egypt. Kira & El Gin, for example (which was also featured at IFFR 2023), became the highest-grossing film in Egyptian cinema history upon its release, playing a significant role in bringing audiences back to theaters after the pandemic. And this is the part most people miss... it wasn't just about spectacle; it was about Hamed's ability to connect with audiences on a deep, emotional level.
Hamed's journey began in 2006 with his directorial debut, The Yacoubian Building, an adaptation of Alaa Al Aswany’s renowned novel. What makes this even more special is that the screenplay was penned by his late father, Wahid Hamed, adding a layer of personal significance to the project. The film, like many of his others, achieved both commercial success and critical acclaim. Both The Yacoubian Building and Kira & El Gin will be screened as part of the festival's Focus program.
But the retrospective isn't just about the big hits. It delves into the diverse range of Hamed's filmography, including the mystery thrillers The Blue Elephant and The Blue Elephant 2, the gritty underworld drama Ibrahim Labyad, the corruption-themed Diamond Dust (based on the Arab noir novel by Ahmed Mourad, a frequent collaborator), and El-Asliyyin (The Originals), which tells the story of a bank employee whose life takes an unexpected turn after a strange phone call. El-Asliyyin is particularly noteworthy as it marks Ahmed Mourad's first foray into screenwriting.
El Sett itself is a landmark achievement, being the first major biopic dedicated to Umm Kulthum. Often hailed as the most influential singer in the Arab world, she's even been called the "fourth pyramid" of Egypt, a testament to her enduring legacy.
According to IFFR festival director Vanja Kaludjercic, Marwan Hamed is "the most fascinating director to emerge from Egypt’s ever-fertile film culture in the last quarter century." She emphasizes his ability to combine spectacle with subversive intelligence, captivating audiences with grand emotions and stellar performances while simultaneously prompting critical reflection on society and national history. She also made it clear that this retrospective is a unique event, "the first of its kind outside Egypt."
Hamed himself expressed his gratitude, stating, "I would like to thank the Rotterdam Film Festival for this great honor. I’m very grateful to the festival for hosting the European premiere of El Sett and for showcasing my work, it is a great privilege."
Now, here's the question I want to pose to you: Do you think a retrospective like this can truly bridge cultural divides and introduce a wider audience to the nuances of Egyptian cinema? Or is the appreciation of Hamed's work inherently tied to an understanding of Egyptian history and society? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
