Egyptian short MADONNA at 6th Cairo International Short Film Festival: A provocative exploration of humanity vs. heritage

 

That’s why we’ve chosen to highlight one carefully selected pick that you won’t want to miss: the Egyptian short drama thriller MADONNA. This film will mesmerize you while also raising important questions about the balance between preserving heritage and addressing immediate human needs.

 

As the church bells ring in the heart of Egypt, the film opens with the old abbot, Paules, giving a farewell speech to his congregation and announcing the appointment of a new abbot, Father Maurice Attallah, played by the veteran actor Abd El-Aziz Makhyoun. Just as the newly appointed abbot begins blessing the church, a mysterious theft of a precious artifact occurs, casting suspicion on all members of the church.

 

Father Maurice instructs a senior member of the church to close all doors and prevent anyone from entering or leaving. He invites everyone to dinner to discuss the issue, during which most accuse Suad, the monastery's chef, whose daughter needs surgery she cannot afford. This prompts the monks to suspect her involvement, except for one—Francis, played mesmerizingly by Karim Kassem, who represents a younger generation with a different perspective.

 

The young monk, who has a longstanding friendship with Father Maurice, engages in a thoughtful dialogue that resembles a chess match—strategic and layered. This exchange symbolizes the bridge between generations, highlighting the importance of listening and understanding differing viewpoints. The warmth and fatherly nature of Father Maurice create an inviting atmosphere for candid discussions about morality and intention.

 

Throughout the film, Father Maurice reflects on an old story that raises similar questions: can the intention of goodness make the doer of bad actions innocent and open the door for forgiveness?

 

MADONNA, a term generally used to describe works featuring Mary, often with the infant Jesus, captures the warmth of the church through candlelit cinematography that evokes a sense of reverence and reflection. The performances of Abd El-Aziz Makhyoun and Karim Kassem showcase a dynamic interplay that enriches the film’s emotional depth.

 

We also feel the kind nature of Father Maurice in his demeanor, the wisdom of his words, and his openness to listen to younger voices. His facial expressions represent fatherhood and eminence, such a performance was no stranger to the acting giant Abd El-Aziz Makhyoun.

 

The film immerses us in the lives of monks facing moral dilemmas, aiming to provoke thought and foster empathy for those in distress. It challenges viewers to reflect on their own judgments regarding actions that may be perceived as either good or ill, emphasizing the complexity of moral decision-making.

 

Directed by John Fareed Zaki from a screenplay co-written with Abanoub Nabil, MADONNA stars Abd El-Aziz Makhyoun, Karim Kassem, and Gerorge Sassine, and  is produced by Karim Kassem, Adolph El-Asal, and the Jesuit Cultural Center in Alexandria, with support from the US Embassy in Cairo, the Goethe Institute, and the British Council in Alexandria.

 

It is also lensed by Filopater Morad and edited by Sara Abdullah.