MAD Solutions bags 2 awards at 5th Cairo International Short Film Festival

After a remarkable series of accomplishments throughout the year, MAD Solutions concludes 2023 on a triumphant note, with two of its sensational short films — SIMO and THE BIRDS HAVE LEFT BEIRUT — winning two prestigious awards at the highly esteemed fifth edition of the Cairo International Shorts Film Festival, which ran from December 19th to 22nd.

The winning films were announced yesterday at the closing ceremony, with THE BIRDS HAVE LEFT BEIRUT receiving the Special Jury Award for a Documentary Short Film and SIMO receiving the Special Jury Award for an International Short Film.

Directed and written by Khalil Dreyfus Zaarour, THE BIRDS HAVE LEFT BEIRUT delves into the aftermath of a pivotal event that occurred on August 4th, 2020, which not only shook an entire country and altered a city but also left a trail of devastation in its wake, as seen through the eyes of Zeina.

Having recently claimed the prestigious Best Short Documentary Award at the 2023 Bahrain Film Festival, this remarkable short film has previously captivated audiences worldwide with its world premiere at the Cairo International Film Festival a year prior.

Meanwhile, Aziz Zoromba’s SIMO, which held its international premiere at the Sundance Film Festival and its European premiere at the 73rd Berlinale, won numerous awards, including the Best Canadian Short Film Award at the Toronto International Film Festival, Denis Villeneuve's Favorite Short at the 19th Prends Ça Court! Gala, and the Canadian Screen Award for Best Live-Action Short.

The short tells the compelling story of the complex brotherhood between Simo and Emad, filled with competition and jealousy.

In a desire to prove his popularity and his capabilities to his older brother, Simo sneakily takes over Emad's online gaming. However, his actions take a dangerous turn that may seriously impact their family's future.