The film is directed, produced, and written by Mohamed El Samman.
Egyptian writer and director Mohamed El-Samman’s highly anticipated feature film, Rat Hole, is gearing up for its premiere at Egypt’s Zawya Cinema on May 15 at 7 pm. The screening will be followed by a special Q&A session with lead actress Rana Khattab and the director. Simultaneously, the film will grace the screens of Cinema Akil in Dubai for a limited 10-day run, starting from May 21.
The film’s lead actress garnered the Best Actress Award during the closing ceremony of the BRICS Film Festival, held on April 23. This accolade follows her previous recognition as a Special Mention for Best Actress at the Amman International Film Festival, highlighting her outstanding performance in the same film.
Since its world premiere at the Aswan International Women’s Film Festival, Rat Hole has received widespread acclaim and recognition. It was listed among the 14 must-see films at the Amman International Film Festival and has garnered positive reviews from critics, including film critic Mohamed Nabil, who praised the director’s dark and realistic approach that perfectly complements the film’s tone.
The film follows a telemarketer for a non-profit organisation who navigates the complexities of her job, striving to convince people to make financial contributions. In her pursuit to assist her family, she finds herself compromising her principles, shedding light on the murky underbelly of the NGO where she works.
Rat Hole was shot over two days during the early morning hours in a real workplace before its employees arrived for work, offering an engaging portrayal of working women while maintaining focus on a single character in one location for 94 minutes.
Written, produced, and directed by Mohamed El Samman, the film stars Rana Khattab, known for her work as a radio presenter on Nogoum FM and appearances in several productions. The cast also includes Mohamed Yorka, Kamal El-Asnawy, Hanan Helmy, among others.
