
WHEN RED BLOOMS
Other movies

TALES ON THE BANKS OF THE BOSPHORUS
Director: Zeina Sfeir
Stories and tales that have spread to over 150 countries worldwide, exploring themes of lost love, the foundations of life and family, and human stories devoid of "superheroes," were filmed in beautiful Turkish cities with brilliant stars who have won the hearts of viewers: this is the Turkish drama, known as "dizi." Today, the "dizi" genre is considered among the most successful series, enjoying immense popularity across the Arab world and as far away as South America and Africa. The question arises: how has an industry from a country with little foothold in distribution and filming in a minority language managed to achieve such rapid and extensive global reach? Through interviews on set with directors, producers, distributors, and stars, we uncover the secrets behind the success and behind-the-scenes stories of this drama.

MY FRIEND AN DELIE
Director: Zijian Dong
This remarkable adaptation of Shuang Xuetao’s novel is the debut film from actor-turned-director Dong Zijian that flashes back and forth in time to tell a touching story of friendship and family strife. Following his father’s death, Limo (Liu Haoran) is flying back to his hometown in northeastern China, when he spots his childhood friend An Delie (played by director Zijian) (Dong) on the plane, who fails to recognise him. When their flight is diverted because of heavy snow, the duo go on a journey that brings back long-forgotten memories in which Limo has to deal with the demons from his past. Beautifully photographed by Pema Tsedan across two time periods, the film shows the long-term emotional impact of the traumas of our childhood.

SHAFIKA AND METWALI
Director: Ali Badrakhan
Chosen by festival Honoree guest Mona Zaki, who is fascinated by the iconic Egyptian actress Souad Hosni. Drawing on a folk tale about a young man who murders his wayward sister, Ali Badrakhan gave the traditional story a new timeframe and socio-political twist, creating a work of art in the process. Metwally is a villager forced by the authorities to work as a labourer on the Suez Canal project, leaving his sister Shafiqi (Souad Hosni) alone and destitute. When he eventually returns, he discovers that his sister has succumbed to the attentions of the district chief’s son, dishonoring the family, and kills her. The original story saw him as justified, but Badrakhan gives it another twist to show both brother and sister as victims of an oppressive social system. The film was an immediate success; it remains a beloved classic.