By Sama Mohammed
In one of the most anticipated cinematic moments of the year, El-Sett — the long-awaited biopic of the legendary Umm Kulthum — made its grand world premiere at the 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival earlier this month. The film, starring Egyptian icon Mona Zaki in one of the most challenging roles of her career, marks a new era for Arab biographical cinema, blending artistic ambition with cultural heritage.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Marwan Hamed and written by celebrated novelist and screenwriter Ahmed Mourad, El-Sett takes audiences on an immersive journey through the life of Umm Kulthum — the girl who rose from rural Egypt to become the unrivaled “Star of the East”, shaping Arab music for generations.
The premiere drew massive attention from international press, film critics, and global festival attendees. The carpet was filled with Arab and foreign filmmakers, while a wave of nostalgia swept through audiences as the film’s score revived the timeless soul of Umm Kulthum’s music. Critics praised Mona Zaki’s performance for its emotional depth, vocal discipline, and remarkable physical transformation that honored rather than imitated the icon.
The film portrays pivotal stages of Umm Kulthum’s life — her early childhood artistry, her breakthrough in Cairo’s musical scene, her disciplined character, and the powerful bond she forged with her audience. Hamed’s direction combines poetic cinematography with grounded storytelling, while Mourad’s script highlights both the myth and the woman behind it.
El-Sett arrives at a moment when Arab audiences are craving stories rooted in identity, legacy, and culture. The film’s release in Egyptian and regional cinemas on 10 December 2025 is expected to draw large crowds, especially younger generations who know Umm Kulthum as a legend but have never seen her story brought to life on the big screen.
With outstanding performances, meticulous production, and reverence for one of the Arab world’s greatest women, El-Sett stands as a milestone in Egyptian cinema — one that bridges the past and the present, celebrating heritage while reviving the timeless magic of Umm Kulthum.
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