Swipe Films been appointed international sales agent for the Egyptian movie “Winter of Discontent,” which will have its world premiere at the 69th Venice International Film Festival this week, the company said Friday.
Set against the backdrop of the growing protests in Cairo’s Tahrir Square in January 2011, the film takes the viewer on a journey into the intertwined lives of an activist, a journalist and a state security officer caught up in the demonstrations.
It was directed by Ibrahim El Batout (pictured), who has paved the way for Egyptian independent cinema by challenging censorship and discussing social issues on camera.
In 2010, his third feature film, "Hawi," won the best Arab Film Award at the second Doha Tribeca Film Festival, as well as more than a dozen other awards internationally.
Prior to 2004, he was a documentary filmmaker who covered war zones from Iran to Iraq and Kosovo. He turned to features after being shot twice.
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”This was a project that came together organically as political change overcame Egypt,” Amr Waked, who stars in the film and also served as a producer, said in a statement.
“Winter of Discontent” began shooting in Tahrir Square the day before Mubarak stepped down from power.
“The characters and the storyline took shape as political events changed on a daily basis," Waked said. "Audiences will get to witness the often surreal atmosphere of terror and uncertainty that characterized the last days of Mubarak’s rule."