Private Project

Catsaros

Mofeed, a lonely young man, haunted by a sense of displacement in the modern world, discovers a mysterious connection to a woman from the 1940's through an old telephone in an antique shop, leading him on a journey through time and emotions that redefines his understanding of love and belonging.

  • Muhammad El Hadidi
    Director
  • Muhammad El Hadidi
    Writer
  • Muhammad El Hadidi
    Producer
  • Amir Elhossieny
    Key Cast
    "Mofeed"
  • Yasmine Serag
    Key Cast
    "Lady from the 40's"
  • Maya Abdelhalim
    Key Cast
    "Sarah"
  • Hesham Zekry
    Key Cast
    "Kamal"
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama, Romance, Fantasy
  • Runtime:
    21 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    January 3, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Egypt
  • Country of Filming:
    Egypt
  • Language:
    Arabic
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - High Cinema Institute in Cairo
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Muhammad El Hadidi

Muhammad El Hadidi, an Egyptian filmmaker, loves to share his stories and deep emotions through the lens of his camera. Growing up in Cairo, an ever-changing city with interconnected layers of untold stories, paved the way for his interest in storytelling.

Transitioning from an Engineering background and driven by his passion for storytelling, Muhammad started his career as an animator, a medium of visual storytelling and imagination. While working as an animator, Muhammad’s interest in film grew, driven by a desire to tell more expansive and layered stories. This led to a significant career shift as he transitioned into the world of filmmaking.

Muhammad has worked as an assistant director for multiple feature films, advertisings, documentaries and music videos.

“Catsaros" marks Muhammad El Hadidi’s debut as a film director. The film is a poignant exploration of memory, nostalgia, and the passage of time, themes that resonate deeply with Muhammad’s own experiences and interests.

His Philosophy - There is always a story behind everything and if you don't tell your story, someone else will.
"What happens when a story is forgotten?" A question that has always lingered in his mind and pushed him towards sharing his stories to the world.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

"Catsaros" is a film that explores the profound and intricate relationship between memory, identity, and time. For me, this project is more than just a narrative; it's a personal journey that reflects my deep fascination with the past and its unyielding influence on the present and future.

It's a deep and real question of what does it mean to be an Egyptian living in the 21st Century? What choices and responsibilities do we have? It's a question of the connection we share with the city, Cairo to be more specific, and the fast changes it is going through. A clear question of belonging and whether we still hold a place in this city that we once called "our" city.

Through Mofeed's journey, I hope to convey a message of hope and resilience. The film is a consolation for all of us who feel lost and alienated in modern-day cities. It suggests that even in the face of loss and change, our memories can provide a source of strength and continuity. It reminds us that our identities are shaped by our connections to the past, and that by remembering and honoring our histories, we can find meaning and purpose in the present and future.

Through this film, I hope to inspire others to explore their own stories, to honor the memories of those who came before them, and to find a sense of belonging and purpose in the ever-changing world.