El Sett

Revered throughout the Arab world and beyond, Umm Kulthum began her career performing religious songs as a child, disguised as a boy, at events she was taken to by her protective father. When her talent was eventually recognised, she moved to Cairo, where the big city customs shocked and success eluded her. But by constantly defying expectations and transcending societal constraints, while displaying incredible business savvy, Umm Kulthum developed a following astonishing in size and fervour. Director Marwan Hamed (The Yacoubian Building, SFF 2007) paints a complex portrait of the icon, played deftly by Mona Zaki, as she deals with fame, wealth, romance and politics in this dazzling biopic.