Marwan Hamed
festival
Fri 24 Apr 26 - Fri 1 May 26
  • Content rating: Caution with children up to 16 years of age

The Egyptian songstress Umm Kulthum was larger than life. “El Sett” takes you through the life of this legendary singer, loved in the Arabic world and far beyond.

In 1967 fans of Umm Kulthum cross the ocean for her renowned concert in the Paris Olympia. Her career, however, starts in a small way; as a child she sings at wedding parties. Via a talent scout she arrives in Cairo where her fame skyrockets. As a feminist ahead of her time she fights for her place as a woman. Adroitly, she makes her way through the politics by making compromises, the only constant being her unwavering loyalty to Egypt.

A sparkling movie filled with Umm Kulthum’s music, from the religious songs in her youth to the sensual love songs on the biggest stages in the world. Historic footage is edited throughout the movie, illustrating the songstress’s long career. After all, Umm Kulthum’s career is deeply interwoven with important political events of the time: from the end of the monarchy under British colonial rule to the Egyptian Revolution of 1952 and the pan-Arabic dream. A movie with an amazing direction, creating a beautiful tribute to this global star.

direction
Marwan Hamed
duration
160 min
year
2025
country
Egypt
language
Arabic
Subtitles
Nederlands
  • Content rating: Caution with children up to 16 years of age

"'El Sett' offers more than a biographical portrait—it captures the life of Om Kalthoum as a symbol of Egypt’s cultural and national identity." - Egyptian Streets

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