Following the warm welcoming it has received since its international screening, “Ali, Me’za & Ibrahim” (Ali, the Goat and Ibrahim) is the first Egyptian film to be screened in the VOX cinema initiative organized by the International Dubai Film Festival (DIFF). The film is also the only Arab movie to be screened in Cinema theaters in France starting from 7 June.
VOX initiative is a platform that allows film fans to watch the best independent films, that present different perspectives. The screened films are usually the most well- received films from international festivals, however they are not screened in theaters for the public.
The film’s world premiere took place last December at the Dubai International Film Festival, in which the film competed within the Muhr Feature competition; actor Ali Sobhi was awarded the Best Actor Award for his role.
The film tells the story of Ali, who was born and raised in a rough a neighbourhood, before he travels across Cairo with Ibrahim based on the recommendation of a psychic. The recommendation comes after she interpretes the voices he hears in his head. Their journey turns into a voyage of friendship and self-discovery.
“Ali, the Goat, and Ibrahim” stars Ali Sobhi and Ahmed Magdy, alongside Salwa Mohamed Aly and Nahed El Sebaie.
Directed by Sherif El Bendary, “Ali, the Goat, and Ibrahim” is written by Ahmed Amer, based on Ibrahim El Batout’s story, and is produced by Mohamed Hefzy’s Film Clinic, Hossam Elouan’s Transit Films, and the French film production company Arizona Productions, with the participation of Egypt, France, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.
The film also took part in the Mons International Love Film Festival in Belgium, alongside participation in the 19th Rendez-Vous with French Cinema in Paris (January 12-16). The film won various prizes in the development and post-production phases, including three during its participation in the Final Cut Workshop at the Venice International Film Festival.
