Cinephiles, get excited. Art-house cinema is coming to Egyptian small screens in a big way.
Egypt’s first art-house cinema, Zawya, and renowned film company Misr International Films, which was founded by Egyptian filmmaker Youssef Chahine, announced the launch of Zawya Distribution, a new initiative that aims to distribute independent and art-house films, reported Ahram Online .
Launched in March 2014, Zawya Cinema, which opened in Cinema Odeon in Downtown Cairo, became the first in Egypt to not only screen alternative films from the Arab region, Europe and the rest of the world, but also the first committed effort to promote independent and art-house filmmakers and films in Egypt through its special events, classes and interactive discussions.
The initiative made the Odeon a cultural hub in Cairo not just for filmmakers, but for the film audiences as well. Zawya’s success in supporting alternative films is what prompted this new venture that will move beyond just screening films and start distributing them as well.
According to ScreenDaily, the new company’s mission will include handling the release of films across theatrical, TV and VOD platforms, as well as working on film festival consulting, marketing and publicity.
“Collaborating closely with filmmakers, Zawya Distribution aims to create an alternative distribution model that fits within the competitive film market and ensures a wider audience reach of local arthouse and independent films,” Director Youssef Shazli told ScreenDaily.
Zawya’s official press release announced that Zawya Distribution’s mandate is “to reshape the distribution scene in a market predominated by commercial films,” and that through its platform it aims to give Egyptian independent films “a genuine chance” to be released.
Ahram Online reported that the new company’s launch would include the release of several award-winning films including "Mother of the Unborn" (Umm Ghayeb), which won the FIPRESCI award at Abu Dhabi Film Festival and the Pete Wintonick award at IDFA, and "Out on the Streets" (Barra Fel Sharia), which was officially selected for Berlinale: FORUM Expanded.
In addition, the release will also include "The Mice Room" (Oddet El-Feran), which was officially selected for Dubai International Film Festival and Sao Paulo International Film Festival, and "The Past Will Return" (Gaye El-Zaman), which won the Independent Shabab Foundation award at Luxor African Film Festival.
Here are a few of the awesome trailers below.