The opening film of the 14th Bosphorus Film Festival was Diva: Umm Kulthum

The opening film of the 14th Bosphorus Film Festival has been determined as Diva: Umm Kulthum, directed by Marwan Hamed and focusing on the life of Umm Kulthum, the legendary artist of the Arab world. The production, which will meet with moviegoers at the festival where Anadolu Agency is the Global Communication Partner, brings the artist's journey from her childhood years to fame to the big screen.

Details of the Opening Film

Bearing the signature of Marwan Hamed, one of the prominent directors of Egyptian cinema, the production will meet with cinema enthusiasts at the opening. Having its world premiere at the 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival, the film tells the story of Umm Kulthum's transformation from a poor rural area to the most powerful voice in the Arab world.

Cast and Duration

Starring Mona Zaki, the biographical production has a runtime of approximately 160 minutes, and its cast features Sayed Ragab, Ahmed Khaled Saleh, Mohamed Farag, Karim Abdel Aziz, and Ahmed Helmy.

Subject and Beginning of the Film

The film begins with 69-year-old Umm Kulthum preparing to take the stage behind the scenes at the Paris Olympia for an Arab world wounded by war. The production centers on the story of Kulthum, who grew up in poverty in the countryside and began singing disguised as a boy during a period when women taking the stage was not welcomed.

Supporters of the Festival

Organized with the support of the General Directorate of Cinema of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the festival is realized with the main sponsorship of Turkcell and Turkish Airlines, the corporate partnership of TRT, the Global Communication Partnership of Anadolu Agency, the co-sponsorship of TV+, and the main media sponsorship of Türkmedya.