In-Conversation with Lebleba
Lebleba is an acclaimed Armenian Egyptian actress, singer, and entertainer who began her career as a child prodigy in Egyptian cinema in the mid-1950s. Discovered by film director Niazi Mustafa for her impersonation skills at age five, she became known as "Lebleba," meaning "quick and intelligent". She has appeared in several films and TV series, under the most important Egyptian filmmakers such as Youssef Chahine, Atef El Tayebe, earning numerous awards, including her dramatic role in the 1995 film Laila Sakhina.
She will be at the festival to present the film “Wedding Rehearsal”
Other movies
HIJRA
Director: Shahad Ameen
A grandmother and her two granddaughters journey from Taif to Mecca. When the eldest granddaughter vanishes, the two remaining women travel north to find her, with their search highlighting the deep cultural and generational bonds between Saudi women. Set against the backdrop of the Hajj pilgrimage, Hijra portrays the intimate and emotional odyssey of these women, which evolves into a spiritual quest. Their journey carries the weight of an entire heritage and offers an emotional, powerful and insightful look at identity. Shot across eight Saudi cities, the film provides a deep dive into the nation’s rich cultural tapestry. Actress Khairia Nazmi infuses the story with profound emotion due to her strength and energy.
SINK
Director: Zain Duraie
Behind the facade of a perfect life, Nadia, a 40-year-old wife and mother of three, struggles with her marriage and a lost sense of self, leaving her emotionally detached. Her one true connection is with her eldest son, Basil, a brilliant but unsociable high school senior. When a violent outburst at school leads to his suspension, Nadia’s world crumbles. On the verge of burnout, she attempts to care for him, but as she battles her own crisis, she's pulled into his undiagnosed mental illness. As his condition spirals, Nadia's struggle to prove that her son is normal intensifies. The film is an intimate look into a powerful maternal bond and a portrait of unconditional love in the face of chaos.