This is the first time a leading regional network has invested in several Arabic-language short films. The deal represents a big win for MENA filmmakers and distributors.
A selection of 33 short films distributed by MAD Solutions will be screened on OSN Yahala Cinema and OSN Streaming starting Friday, July 31, the first day of Eid al Adha. The short films originate from different Arab countries and have been showcased at several global prestigious Arab and international film festivals, including Cannes, Toronto Venice, Locarno, and Dubai.
Featuring some Oscar and BAFTA-nominated films, the list of short films will stream with Arabic and/or English subtitles.
Speaking about the addition to the OSN roster, Rolla Karam, Interim Chief Content Officer at OSN, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to provide our subscribers with the very best of Arab independent cinema, giving these short films the exposure they deserve. Independent movies are often limited to special screenings and film festivals so we are proud to be able to bring this form of art to viewers in the region and to champion these skilled Arab filmmakers by showcasing over 30 of their short films on our platform, on both OSN Yahala Cinema and OSN’s streaming app.”
Film analyst Alaa Karkouti, Managing Partner at the Arab Cinema Center (ACC) and CEO of MAD Solutions, added: “For the first time in the history of Arab cinema, a huge selection of short films have now become available on a long-established network such as OSN. This step is part of our long-term strategy to build a bigger fanbase for Arab cinema ever since our inception 10 years ago, and now we have managed to promote Arab short films in a major VOD platform.”
The lineup includes Tunisian director’s short, Astra; Jordanian film The Parrot, Lebanese production Under The Robes, and Iraqi-British co-production titled Abdullah and Leilah, Palestinian-Jordanian short Ayny, Emirati short Five Boys and A Wheel and several others.
