ARABIAN SIGHTS, GLOBAL RHYTHMS
US Premiere

El Sett

MARWAN HAMED
Egypt, 2025
162 minutes, Color

El Sett is a sweeping, emotionally charged portrait of Umm Kulthum, the iconic "Star of the Orient," whose voice defined a nation and resonated across the world. Directed by Marwan Hamed and anchored by a luminous performance from Mona Zaki, the film traces her extraordinary rise from humble beginnings to unparalleled stardom. Moving fluidly through time, it captures both the strength and vulnerability of a woman whose artistry mirrored Egypt's turbulent journey—from monarchy to revolution and beyond. With more than 300 songs spanning six decades, Umm Kulthum's music continues to echo through generations. Her influence stretches far beyond the Arab world, inspiring legends like Bob Dylan, Robert Plant, Shakira, Beyoncé, and Maria Callas, who once called her "the incomparable voice." More than a biography, El Sett is an intimate exploration of legacy, identity, and the power of authenticity—an invitation to experience the voice that united millions.—Various sources

In Arabic with English subtitles