EXCLUSIVE: Watermelon Pictures has acquired North American distribution rights to El Sett, which translates as “the lady”, chronicling the life of legendary Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum.
It is the latest feature from Marwan Hamed who previously made waves at home and internationally with The Yacoubian Building, The Blue Elephant, and Kira & El Gin.
Egyptian star Mona Zaki plays singer Umm Kulthum in the picture tracing the singer’s remarkable journey from a small village in Egypt’s Nile Delta to becoming the most celebrated voice in the Arab world.
Regarded as one of the most influential cultural figures in modern Arab history, Umm Kulthum’s renown also reached Europe and the U.S. In 2023, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Umm Kulthum at 61 on its “200 Greatest Singers of All Time” list ahead of the likes of Taylor Swift, Diana Ross, Amy Winehouse, Bono, João Gilberto, Elton John and George Michael to name but a few.
The distribution deal was negotiated by Munir Atalla, Head of Production and Acquisitions for Watermelon Pictures, and Mohamed Hefzy, founding director of Film Clinic, who was one of the co-producers on the film.
“Umm Kulthum is an icon, but she’s also much more than that,” said Atalla. “El Sett is a powerful celebration of a nuanced artist whose influence continues to rock the world. We are honored to bring Marwan Hamed’s spectacular film to audiences.”
Defying the restrictions placed on women of her era, Umm Kulthum first performed disguised as a boy before rising to dominate the stages of Cairo and captivate audiences across the globe. Through personal sacrifice and artistic determination, she transformed herself into a cultural icon whose music reflected the hopes, struggles, and aspirations of generations.
Moving between defining moments in her life and career, the film explores how Umm Kulthum’s rise intersected with some of the most significant political and social transformations of the twentieth century. As Egypt moved from monarchy to revolution and the dream of Arab unity captured the attention of millions, her voice became a source of comfort, pride, and collective identity throughout the region.
The picture world premiered at the Marrakech International Film Festival last December, and also played in Rotterdam earlier this year as part of retrospective devoted to Hamed’s work.
“I am incredibly proud that Watermelon Pictures will introduce El Sett to North American audiences,” said Hamed.
“Their commitment to elevating Arab stories and connecting them with wider audiences makes them the ideal partner for this film. Umm Kulthum belongs not only to Egypt, but to the cultural history of an entire region, and I’m excited for new audiences to experience her extraordinary journey.”
El Sett was produced by Tamer Morsy and Ahmed Badawy. The screenplay was written by Ahmed Mourad, with cinematography by Abdel Salam Moussa.
The film features music by Emmy-nominated composer Hesham Nazih (Moon Knight) and immersive sound design by Academy Award nominee Wayne Pashley.
Watermelon Pictures will open the film in theaters across North America later this year.