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THE SETTLEMENT, SAMIA, THANK YOU FOR BANKING WITH US! Three wins for MAD at Oran International Film Festival
07 November 2025
MAD Films celebrates another milestone as three of its acclaimed titles took home top honors at the 13th Oran International Arab Film Festival, held in the coastal Algerian city of Oran.
This year’s edition saw Mohamed Rashad’s THE SETTLEMENT win the Silver Wihr Award, Yasemin Şamdereli’s SAMIA receive the Bronze Wihr Award, and Clara Khoury honored with the Best Actress Award for her performance in Laila Abbas’s THANK YOU FOR BANKING WITH US! — marking a powerful recognition of diverse Arab storytelling.
Founded in 2007, the Oran International Arab Film Festival remains a leading celebration of Arab cinema, showcasing regional talent across feature, documentary, and short film competitions. Following its strong 2024 comeback, the 13th edition reaffirmed the festival’s role as a vital platform connecting cultures and amplifying Arab voices.
Winner of the Silver Wihr Award, THE SETTLEMENT by Egyptian filmmaker Mohamed Rashad continues to make waves on the international scene following its Bronze Star win at the El Gouna Film Festival and screenings at the Berlin International Film Festival, FESCAAL, and Bolzano.
Inspired by true events, the film follows two brothers from Alexandria who begin to question the truth behind their father’s death in a workplace accident — a gripping story that delves into justice, loss, and resilience. The film is produced by Hala Lotfy (Hassala Films) with co-producers from France, Germany, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, and is handled by MAD World for international sales and MAD Distribution for Arab world release.
The Bronze Wihr Award went to SAMIA, a moving sports drama directed by Yasemin Şamdereli, based on the true story of Somali runner Samia Yusuf Omar, whose courage inspired the bestselling novel Don’t Tell Me You’re Afraid.
The film traces her fearless pursuit of athletic dreams amid the restrictions of Mogadishu and her symbolic struggle for women’s freedom. Having premiered at Tribeca and collected multiple accolades worldwide, SAMIA continues its inspiring journey, representing a powerful statement on endurance and empowerment.
Meanwhile, Clara Khoury earned the Best Actress Award for her remarkable role in THANK YOU FOR BANKING WITH US! — the debut feature from Palestinian filmmaker Laila Abbas.
Set in Ramallah, the film follows two estranged sisters who, after their father’s death, embark on a daring plan to claim the family inheritance before their brother intervenes. With Khoury and Yasmine Al-Massri delivering emotionally charged performances, the film stood out for its authentic portrayal of sisterhood and inheritance under occupation. Co-produced by MAD Solutions, Lagoonie Film Production, and In Good Company Films, it world premiered at the BFI London Film Festival, where it competed for Best Film.
Each award stands as a testament to MAD Films’ vision of celebrating creativity and diversity in Arab cinema, bridging cultures and expanding global horizons through MAD World and MAD Distribution.
This year’s edition saw Mohamed Rashad’s THE SETTLEMENT win the Silver Wihr Award, Yasemin Şamdereli’s SAMIA receive the Bronze Wihr Award, and Clara Khoury honored with the Best Actress Award for her performance in Laila Abbas’s THANK YOU FOR BANKING WITH US! — marking a powerful recognition of diverse Arab storytelling.
Founded in 2007, the Oran International Arab Film Festival remains a leading celebration of Arab cinema, showcasing regional talent across feature, documentary, and short film competitions. Following its strong 2024 comeback, the 13th edition reaffirmed the festival’s role as a vital platform connecting cultures and amplifying Arab voices.
Winner of the Silver Wihr Award, THE SETTLEMENT by Egyptian filmmaker Mohamed Rashad continues to make waves on the international scene following its Bronze Star win at the El Gouna Film Festival and screenings at the Berlin International Film Festival, FESCAAL, and Bolzano.
Inspired by true events, the film follows two brothers from Alexandria who begin to question the truth behind their father’s death in a workplace accident — a gripping story that delves into justice, loss, and resilience. The film is produced by Hala Lotfy (Hassala Films) with co-producers from France, Germany, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, and is handled by MAD World for international sales and MAD Distribution for Arab world release.
The Bronze Wihr Award went to SAMIA, a moving sports drama directed by Yasemin Şamdereli, based on the true story of Somali runner Samia Yusuf Omar, whose courage inspired the bestselling novel Don’t Tell Me You’re Afraid.
The film traces her fearless pursuit of athletic dreams amid the restrictions of Mogadishu and her symbolic struggle for women’s freedom. Having premiered at Tribeca and collected multiple accolades worldwide, SAMIA continues its inspiring journey, representing a powerful statement on endurance and empowerment.
Meanwhile, Clara Khoury earned the Best Actress Award for her remarkable role in THANK YOU FOR BANKING WITH US! — the debut feature from Palestinian filmmaker Laila Abbas.
Set in Ramallah, the film follows two estranged sisters who, after their father’s death, embark on a daring plan to claim the family inheritance before their brother intervenes. With Khoury and Yasmine Al-Massri delivering emotionally charged performances, the film stood out for its authentic portrayal of sisterhood and inheritance under occupation. Co-produced by MAD Solutions, Lagoonie Film Production, and In Good Company Films, it world premiered at the BFI London Film Festival, where it competed for Best Film.
Each award stands as a testament to MAD Films’ vision of celebrating creativity and diversity in Arab cinema, bridging cultures and expanding global horizons through MAD World and MAD Distribution.
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