Rabat – MAD Films, the Egypt-based pan-Arab film studio and distributor, is bringing a powerful slate of films to the 12th edition of the Manchester Film Festival, running March 19-29.
The lineup includes “To a Land Unknown,” “Thank You for Banking with Us!,” and “The Village Next to Paradise.”
Directed by Mahdi Fleifel, “To a Land Unknown” explores the life of a Palestinian refugee on the fringes of Athenian society, who seeks revenge after being swindled by a smuggler.
Meanwhile, Laila Abbas’s “Thank You for Banking with Us!” follows two sisters navigating family tensions as they claim their inheritance following their father’s death.
“In The Village Next to Paradise,” Mo Harawe portrays a newly formed family confronting the challenges of modern life, balancing personal ambitions with love, trust, and resilience.
The film, celebrated at last year’s Cannes Film Festival, has been hailed by the Toronto International Film Festival as a landmark moment for Somali cinema.
The Manchester Film Festival will feature more than 50 feature films alongside short films, special screenings, filmmaker Q&A sessions, and industry networking events.
In addition to Arab cinema, the festival is showcasing films from Europe, Asia, and the Americas, reinforcing its reputation as a truly international celebration.
From provocative documentaries to boundary-pushing short films, the festival caters to all tastes, whether viewers are seeking intense drama, lighthearted comedy, or avant-garde experimentation.
With growing recognition each year, the Manchester Film Festival is emerging as a vital platform for voices often underrepresented in mainstream cinema.
By bridging cultures and highlighting innovative storytelling, it continues to elevate both established and emerging filmmakers while offering audiences fresh perspectives from around the world.
