Through these four diverse narratives, MAD Solutions continues its commitment to showcasing compelling storytelling and fostering cultural exchange on the global cinematic stage.
MAD Solutions has sent four short films from its distribution slate to compete in the International Shorts Programme of the Ibiza Independent Film Festival – IbizaCineFest, which kicked off on the Spanish island on February 23 and will continue until March 3.
The lineup of MAD shorts includes notable works such as Faris Alrjoob’s The Red Sea Makes Me Wanna Cry, Mohamed Fawi’s Buzz, Hamza Atifi’s Phonebreaker, and Moatasem Taha’s In The Waiting Room.
These films will be featured and vying for recognition as part of the festival’s esteemed International Shorts Programme at the following scheduled screenings: Wednesday, February 28 at 7 pm; Thursday, February 29 at 5 pm; and Friday, March 1 at 5 pm. All screenings adhere to Central European Time (CET)/(GMT +1).
Leading the MAD Shorts lineup is Faris Alrjoob’s German-Jordanian production, The Red Sea Makes Me Wanna Cry. Recently premiered at the El Gouna Film Festival, where it secured a Silver Star, this romantic thriller follows Ida on a haunting journey to the site of her partner’s disappearance, aiming to feel his presence for one last time and bid him farewell.
Mohamed Fawi’s Sudanese short Buzz offers a poignant exploration of family dynamics in the face of impending loss. Having debuted at the Cairo International Film Festival, it portrays a mother grappling with her declining health while witnessing her children prepare for life without her.
Meanwhile, Hamza Atifi’s Moroccan creation Phonebreaker has garnered accolades, including the Jury Prize at the 7th Festival Tasmit Du Cinéma Et De La Critique and the Grand Prize for Best Short Film at the Hoceima Film Festival. The narrative delves into the repercussions of technological overreach as protagonist Jalil takes on the telecommunications industry to avenge his mother.
Lastly, Moatasem Taha’s Palestinian short In The Waiting Room offers a poignant glimpse into the life of Hussein, a Palestinian escorting his mother to a medical appointment in an Israeli hospital. Set against the backdrop of cultural and linguistic barriers, the film captures the nuances of human interaction and resilience in adversity.
