What is Mohammed Hammad's new film 'Safe Exit' about?

'Safe Exit' is a psychological thriller about a young Egyptian security guard dealing with trauma from past religious and ethnic violence.

When and where will 'Safe Exit' premiere?

'Safe Exit' will have its world premiere at the Berlinale festival in February.

Who is distributing Mohammed Hammad's 'Safe Exit'?

MAD World, the film sales arm of Cairo-based Mad Solutions, has boarded 'Safe Exit' for international sales.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Berlinale: Egyptian Thriller 'Safe Exit' Premieres

Berlinale: Egyptian Thriller 'Safe Exit' Premieres

14 Jan

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Summary

Egyptian psychological thriller 'Safe Exit' to premiere at Berlinale.
Film explores trauma from religious and ethnic violence.
MAD World boards film ahead of its February world premiere.

Berlinale: Egyptian Thriller 'Safe Exit' Premieres

The psychological thriller 'Safe Exit,' directed by Egyptian filmmaker Mohammed Hammad, is slated for its world premiere at the Berlinale in February. This marks Hammad's second feature film, following his acclaimed 2016 drama 'Withered Green.' The movie centers on a young Cairo security guard and his struggles with inherited trauma stemming from his parents' murder.

"Safe Exit" is an ambitious coproduction involving Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Qatar, and Germany, spearheaded by Pareidolia Productions. Director Hammad stated his production company aims to address complex social questions seldom explored in Egyptian cinema. The film specifically examines the beliefs and factors that can incite religiously motivated violence, promising a sensitive yet cinematic exploration of lingering wounds.

The film has already garnered attention, recently being featured in Deadline's 'Features to Light Up Festivals' list for 2026. It also received accolades at the Marrakech Film Festival's Atlas Workshops. MAD World's acquisition of the sales rights signals strong international expectations for Hammad's latest work, anticipating a significant presence in Berlin and beyond.