Set in 2009 when the news of Michael Jackson’s death took the world by storm affecting many people in the world, the films follows an Islamic cleric who in his school days used to be obsessed with the King of Pop and now faces an identity crisis.
“We are proud to lead this young talented director to cross borders with such a delicate story, told with such an original tone and visionary in its way, that has the potential to touch the hearts of people no matter where they’re from, as in the end of the day it is about being brave and learning how get to know and how to take care of oneself”, stated Ida Martins, CEO of Media Luna New Films.
The director says it is “a truly personal film” and “I don’t see myself doing another film where I can be that exposed and vulnerable telling a deeply personal story. A story that can be a wake-up call and an insightful look into the lives of the ‘other’”.
Ahmed El Feshawy plays the lead role, while rising young star Ahmed Malek plays the cleric as a teenager. Veteran actor Maged El-Kedwany stars as the cleric’s authoritarian father.
The film is produced by Mohamed Hefzy of Film Clinic, the Egyptian production powerhouse, who is behind films such as the Un Certain Regard 2016 opener “Clash” by Mohamed Diab and “Ali, The Goat and Ibrahim" by Sherif el Bindary, as well as Hani Ossama of The Producers, the company behind the hits "Excuse My French” and “Hepta". “We are very happy to be working with Media Luna. Their reputation and track record are excellent, but it's their passion and belief in the film that made us instantly convinced that they were the best partner for the film. We look forward to a long and successful working relationship” stated Hefzy.
The deal was negotiated by Daniel Ziskind, the Manager of Film Clinic in Europe.