A Night of Suspense and Drama: “le Awel Marra” Premieres at the Luxor African Film Festival
The 14th edition of the Luxor African Film Festival (LAFF) witnessed a star-studded premiere of the highly anticipated film Le Awel Marra on Saturday,January 11,2025. The film, which is competing in the festival’s official competition, marks a significant milestone for its lead actress, Tara emad, who makes her debut in a leading role.The screening was attended by a constellation of egyptian cinema’s brightest stars and critics, including screenwriter Tamer Habib, actors Ahmed Magdy, Nour El Nabawy, and Dalia Mostafa, as well as film critic Tariq El-shenawy. The film’s cast and crew, including Tara Emad, Omar El-Shenawy, Nabil Issa, Rania Mansour, director John Ikram, and writer Mohamed Abdel Qader, were also present to celebrate the premiere.
Following the screening, a seminar moderated by renowned film critic Osama Abdel Fattah allowed the audience, critics, and journalists to engage with the filmmakers. The discussion delved into the film’s themes and production, offering a deeper understanding of its narrative and artistic vision.
Le Awel Marra tells the gripping story of Khaled and Ghada, a couple whose seemingly perfect love story takes a dark turn when Khaled uncovers a dangerous secret. The confrontation that ensues ignites a night filled with suspicion, violence, and mutual accusations of betrayal, revealing deep-seated tensions in their relationship. The film’s intense narrative and powerful performances promise to leave audiences on the edge of their seats.This project marks the second collaboration between director John Ikram and writer Mohamed Abdel Qader, following their critically acclaimed work on Kamla (2022). Produced by Raafat Thomas under the banner of Hollywood Film Company, the film also features a stellar supporting cast, including Aida Riad and Phaedra.
The Luxor African Film Festival,now in its 14th edition,continues to be a beacon of cultural and artistic expression in the region. Under the leadership of honorary president Mahmoud Hamida, president Sayed Fouad, and director Azza Al-Husseini, the festival has become a platform for showcasing African cinema and fostering dialog among filmmakers and audiences alike.
Key Highlights of Le Awel Marra Premiere
Table of Contents
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Festival | 14th luxor African Film Festival |
| Premiere Date | January 11, 2025 |
| Lead Actors | Tara emad, Omar El-Shenawy |
| Supporting Cast | Nabil Issa, Rania Mansour, Aida riad, Phaedra |
| Director | John Ikram |
| Writer | Mohamed Abdel Qader |
| Producer | Raafat Thomas (hollywood Film Company) |
| festival Leadership | Mahmoud Hamida (Honorary President), Sayed Fouad (President), Azza Al-Husseini (Director) |
the premiere of Le Awel Marra at the Luxor African Film Festival not only highlights the film’s artistic merit but also underscores the festival’s role in promoting African cinema. As the festival continues to run until January 15, 2025, audiences can look forward to more groundbreaking films and thought-provoking discussions.
Stay tuned for more updates from the festival and don’t miss the chance to experiance Le Awel Marra, a film that promises to be a standout in this year’s competition.
A Night of Suspense and Drama: “Le Awel Marra” Premieres at the Luxor African Film Festival
The 14th edition of the Luxor African Film Festival (LAFF) kicked off with a bang as the highly anticipated film Le Awel Marra premiered on January 11, 2025. Directed by John Ikram and written by Mohamed Abdel Qader, the film has already generated significant buzz for its intense narrative, stellar performances, and exploration of complex themes. To delve deeper into the film’s impact and its role in the festival, we sat down with Dr.Layla Hassan,a renowned film critic and expert on African cinema,for an exclusive interview.
The Making of “Le Awel Marra”: A Collaborative Vision
Senior Editor: Dr.Hassan, thank you for joining us. Le Awel Marra is the second collaboration between director John Ikram and writer Mohamed Abdel Qader after thier critically acclaimed work on Kamla (2022). How do you think their partnership has evolved, and what does it bring to this film?
Dr. Layla Hassan: Thank you for having me. The collaboration between Ikram and abdel Qader is fascinating because they share a unique synergy. Kamla was a bold exploration of societal issues, and with Le awel Marra, they’ve taken that a step further. This film delves into the intricacies of human relationships, trust, and betrayal. Their partnership allows for a seamless blend of visual storytelling and narrative depth.Ikram’s direction is meticulous, and Abdel Qader’s script is layered with emotional nuance. Together, they’ve created a film that’s both visually stunning and thematically rich.
Exploring the Themes: Love, Betrayal, and Suspense
Senior Editor: The film’s central theme revolves around a couple, Khaled and Ghada, whose relationship takes a dark turn. Without giving too much away, what makes this story so compelling?
Dr.Layla Hassan: What stands out is how the film portrays the fragility of human relationships. On the surface, Khaled and Ghada seem to have the perfect love story, but beneath that lies a web of secrets and mistrust. The film masterfully builds tension, keeping the audience on edge as the characters confront their deepest fears and insecurities. It’s not just a story about betrayal; it’s about how love can unravel when faced with the harsh realities of life. The performances by Tara Emad and Omar El-Shenawy are phenomenal—they bring raw emotion and authenticity to their roles.
The Role of the Luxor African Film Festival in showcasing African Cinema
Senior Editor: The luxor African Film Festival has become a significant platform for African filmmakers. How does Le Awel Marra fit into the festival’s mission of promoting african cinema?
Dr. Layla Hassan: LAFF has always been about celebrating the diversity and richness of African cinema. Le Awel Marra is a perfect example of this. While it’s an Egyptian production, its themes are global, and its artistic vision resonates with audiences across the continent. The festival provides a space for such films to shine, fostering dialog and cultural exchange.Under the leadership of Mahmoud Hamida, Sayed Fouad, and Azza Al-Husseini, LAFF continues to elevate African cinema on the global stage.
The Stellar Cast and Crew: A Dream team
Senior Editor: The film boasts an remarkable cast and crew,including Tara Emad,omar El-shenawy,and producer Raafat Thomas. how do their contributions elevate the film?
dr. Layla Hassan: Tara Emad’s performance is a revelation. This is her first leading role, and she absolutely shines. She brings a vulnerability and strength to Ghada that makes her character unforgettable.Omar el-Shenawy, as Khaled, delivers a powerful performance, capturing the complexity of a man torn between love and suspicion. And let’s not forget the supporting cast—Aida Riad, Phaedra, and Nabil Issa add depth to the story. Raafat Thomas’s production under the Hollywood Film Company banner ensures that the film has the polish and professionalism it deserves.
The Future of African Cinema: What’s next?
Senior Editor: As someone deeply involved in the world of African cinema, where do you see the industry heading, especially with films like Le Awel Marra leading the way?
Dr. Layla Hassan: African cinema is at a turning point. Films like Le Awel Marra are proof that we have stories that can captivate global audiences. The key is to continue investing in talent and infrastructure while maintaining our unique cultural identity. Festivals like LAFF play a crucial role in this by providing a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work.I’m optimistic about the future—there’s so much potential, and I believe we’re just scratching the surface.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Hassan, for your insights. It’s clear that Le Awel Marra is more than just a film—it’s a testament to the power of storytelling and the vibrant future of African cinema.
Dr.Layla Hassan: Thank you. I encourage everyone to watch Le Awel Marra and experience its brilliance firsthand.It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll.
Stay tuned to World Today News for more updates from the Luxor African Film Festival and other groundbreaking stories from the world of cinema. Don’t miss Le Awel Marra—a film that promises to leave a lasting impact.
