Premiering at the Medfest Festival as part of the “Grief and Loss” program, Naji Ismail’s Mama left us astonished with its tender, heart-wrenching message. At its core, it is a story of unbreakable familial bonds. It tells the story of a mother who loves her daughter fiercely, a daughter who would sacrifice anything for her younger brother, and a little boy who treasures his older sister.
The film follows a 20-year-old woman who takes meticulous care of her younger brother. She is concealing a heartbreaking secret to preserve their serene peace. But on her 21st birthday, she faces the decision to reveal the secret to the world.
Set in Alexandria, the film’s stunning scenes elevate the narrative. The use of black-and-white cinematography adds a haunting layer of mystery and nostalgia. Every shot is a masterpiece. Truly, it leaves the audience in awe. The skillful cinematography and thoughtful direction complement the powerful storyline, turning each scene into a visual masterpiece.
Mama delves into the struggles of young women in Egyptian society, portraying the harsh reality of living without a male guardian. In one pivotal moment, the protagonist’s uncle, assuming the worst upon hearing no news of her mother. He threatens to sell their home and take custody of her brother—leaving her homeless and powerless. However, when she turns 21, she regains control of her destiny, securing both her home and her brother’s future.
Spoiler Alert!
The film also reveals the deep fear the mother bore, choosing not to be buried so her children wouldn’t be left without a roof over their heads. The uncle’s eagerness to sell the only home they have is a sad reality for many families. Many relatives start to circle like vultures, eager to inherit whatever they can from the deceased.
Mama has garnered numerous awards, including Best Short Film at the Malmö Arab Film Festival. Most recently, Mama won “Best Egyptian Film” at the Medfest Festival.
The film features an exceptional cast. It includes May El Gheity and Daniel Sharif, and was brought to life by a talented crew. The film is written and directed by Naji Ismail, produced by Kawthar Younis, edited by Sandro Kanaan, with cinematography by Mustafa El-Sheshtawy, costume design by Reem El-Adl, a stirring soundtrack by Mohamed Al-Sammad, decor by Yasser Al-Husseini, and sound engineering by Sameh Nabil.
At just 20 minutes, Mama packs an emotional punch. It delves into the profound grief of losing oneself, even as one navigates life after losing a loved one. The film masterfully explores how grief can manifest long after the initial loss, bringing to light the quiet, ongoing pain of survival. Mama is a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the silent depths of loss and the resilience of the human spirit.