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LOVE BITES by Mahmoud Zain to Premiere at Aswan International Women Film Festival
23 April 2025
LOVE BITES is a 12-minute dramatic journey like no other, created by Egyptian filmmaker Mahmoud Zain. With its fresh narrative and bold perspective, this film offers a unique look at Egyptian storytelling. It stars famous Egyptian actor Sedky Sakhr and will have its world premiere at the Aswan International Women’s Film Festival, where it proudly stands as the only Egyptian film in the official competition.
The film follows two brothers, Zaher and Murad, who find themselves in conflict over how to perform the ritual washing and shrouding of their deceased sister, Hayam, after discovering love bites on her body. Fearing a scandal as well-wishers and mourners begin to arrive outside, the two brothers and their wives must make a decision that may affect the entire family.
The film stars the well-known Egyptian actor Sedky Sakhr, who commented on his involvement in the film, saying, "What inspired me to be part of this film is its bold subject matter and its approach to the issue from a different perspective. Its participation in a festival dedicated to films about women is a testament to its support for women's causes, as well as the film's strong impact and high artistic value."
In addition to Sedky Sakhr, the cast includes Mahmoud Zain, Sohila Alanwar, Nadia Hassan, Mahmoud Yehia, Sara Alaaeldin, and Rowan Alaa Eldin. It was shot by cinematographer Moamen Alameldin and edited by Mohamed Mamdouh. Ali Soliman was the executive producer, and the art director was Mohamed Osama Hassan. Ramy Magdy recorded the sound, with sound design and mix by Amr Soliman. The colorist was Tarek Abdelkader.
The film's Worldwide sales are handled by MAD World, with MAD Distribution managing distribution and sales across the Arab World.
Mahmoud Zain, the director, also shared his vision for the film, saying, "The idea of death has always occupied my mind, particularly the thought of a person dying and those around them discovering something that subjects them to judgment, even though they are now a lifeless body, powerless and silent. That’s where it all began, and the idea evolved until it raised a more pressing question: What if that body belonged to a woman in a male-dominated society? And even more troubling, what if the discovered matter concerned "honor"? Would this woman be granted her most basic rights: To be washed, shrouded, and buried according to religious customs? Or would those around her exercise their patriarchal authority and the power of tradition, driven by fear of scandal, disregard the sanctity of the deceased and her rightful rites?”
Mahmoud Zain is an Egyptian filmmaker who earned his degree from the Faculty of Pharmacy in 2015. He later pursued film directing at the High Institute of Cinema in 2019. In 2024, he directed his short film LOVE BITES. Zain has also contributed as a screenwriter to various series through writing workshops, including the Egyptian series THE GODFATHER 1 and the Saudi series BADR’S WILL.
The film follows two brothers, Zaher and Murad, who find themselves in conflict over how to perform the ritual washing and shrouding of their deceased sister, Hayam, after discovering love bites on her body. Fearing a scandal as well-wishers and mourners begin to arrive outside, the two brothers and their wives must make a decision that may affect the entire family.
The film stars the well-known Egyptian actor Sedky Sakhr, who commented on his involvement in the film, saying, "What inspired me to be part of this film is its bold subject matter and its approach to the issue from a different perspective. Its participation in a festival dedicated to films about women is a testament to its support for women's causes, as well as the film's strong impact and high artistic value."
In addition to Sedky Sakhr, the cast includes Mahmoud Zain, Sohila Alanwar, Nadia Hassan, Mahmoud Yehia, Sara Alaaeldin, and Rowan Alaa Eldin. It was shot by cinematographer Moamen Alameldin and edited by Mohamed Mamdouh. Ali Soliman was the executive producer, and the art director was Mohamed Osama Hassan. Ramy Magdy recorded the sound, with sound design and mix by Amr Soliman. The colorist was Tarek Abdelkader.
The film's Worldwide sales are handled by MAD World, with MAD Distribution managing distribution and sales across the Arab World.
Mahmoud Zain, the director, also shared his vision for the film, saying, "The idea of death has always occupied my mind, particularly the thought of a person dying and those around them discovering something that subjects them to judgment, even though they are now a lifeless body, powerless and silent. That’s where it all began, and the idea evolved until it raised a more pressing question: What if that body belonged to a woman in a male-dominated society? And even more troubling, what if the discovered matter concerned "honor"? Would this woman be granted her most basic rights: To be washed, shrouded, and buried according to religious customs? Or would those around her exercise their patriarchal authority and the power of tradition, driven by fear of scandal, disregard the sanctity of the deceased and her rightful rites?”
Mahmoud Zain is an Egyptian filmmaker who earned his degree from the Faculty of Pharmacy in 2015. He later pursued film directing at the High Institute of Cinema in 2019. In 2024, he directed his short film LOVE BITES. Zain has also contributed as a screenwriter to various series through writing workshops, including the Egyptian series THE GODFATHER 1 and the Saudi series BADR’S WILL.
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