tÊtes brÛlÉes, 50 meters, and my father and qaddafi to screen at middle east now

The Middle East Now Festival in Florence returns this October to showcase three powerful MAD films, inviting audiences on a deeply personal and political journey through themes of identity,

family, grief, and resistance. Featuring the distinct works 50 METERS, TÊTES BRÛLÉES, and MY FATHER AND QADDAFI, the festival continues to highlight bold cinema that explores the complexities of the Middle East and its global connections.

Organized by Map of Creation, a non-profit cultural association based in Florence, Middle East Now is committed to producing documentary films and organizing cultural events. The festival uses contemporary cinema, art, and culture as vital tools for understanding reality and fostering cultural integration. With a focused lens on the region’s cultural, social, and political issues, Middle East Now offers a unique platform for engaging with the region’s diverse narratives and voices.

The journey begins on Wednesday, October 8th, with the Italian premiere of TÊTES BRÛLÉES by Maja-Ajmia Yde Zellama, screening at 9 pm at Cinema La Compagnia. Set in Brussels, the film follows twelve-year-old Eya, who lives a vibrant life surrounded by the warmth of her Tunisian-Muslim family. Her close relationship with her older brother Younès forms the heart of her world, until his sudden death leaves her shattered. Through Eya’s grief, the film explores the healing power of creativity, community, and resilience among a multicultural generation often unseen in European cinema. A tender and layered debut, TÊTES BRÛLÉES paints a loving portrait of belonging, youth, and survival.

On Saturday, October 11th, Jihan K presents her deeply personal documentary, My Father and Qaddafi, at 8:45 pm, also at Cinema La Compagnia. In this evocative film, the director reconstructs the life of her father, Mansur Rashid Kikhia — a former Libyan Foreign Minister and human rights lawyer who abandoned Gaddafi’s regime to become a peaceful opposition leader.

His mysterious disappearance in Cairo in 1993 becomes the entry point for Jihan’s investigation into political memory, personal identity, and generational trauma. What begins as a search for truth transforms into a poignant journey of reconciliation, as the director weaves archival footage, interviews, and personal reflections into a powerful meditation on legacy and loss.

Jihan K will be present for a Q&A session following the screening, offering festivalgoers the chance to engage with the director on her creative process and the personal experiences behind the documentary.

The final screening takes place on Sunday, October 12th, at 6:30 pm, with the Italian premiere of 50 METERS by Yomna Khattab at Cinema La Compagnia. Set in Cairo, the documentary unfolds in and around a public swimming pool used by an aquagym team of men over seventy.

As a first-time director, Khattab turns the camera toward her own father — once distant and emotionally guarded — and uses the film’s narrative tools to bridge the gap between them. Through voiceovers, scripted scenes, and vulnerable conversations, 50 METERS becomes a moving portrait of a daughter seeking closeness, understanding, and peace. Winner of the NEXT:WAVE Award at CPH:DOX, the film has already garnered international acclaim for its originality and emotional depth.

Yomna Khattab will attend the screening for a Q&A, giving audiences the opportunity to discuss the documentary with her and gain insight into the personal journey behind the film.

Both documentaries, MY FATHER AND QADDAFI and 50 METERS, as well as the feature film TÊTES BRÛLÉES, are handled nationally and internationally by MAD World for sales and MAD Distribution for regional distribution.