El-Set: A New Human Portrait of Umm Kulthum Crafted by Marwan Hamed

By Amgad Nassar

Egyptian Film Director

El-Set is a grand-scale film in every sense of the word—an ambitious and exceptional cinematic work that breaks away from the conventional mold of biographical films. It offers a modern, innovative artistic vision of the life of the “Star of the East,” Umm Kulthum, focusing not on the icon alone but on the profound human dimension of her character. The film portrays her as an ambitious, powerful woman who confronted immense social challenges to forge her enduring legend.

The film is distinguished by its non-linear narrative and fast-paced rhythm, which keep the viewer fully engaged as it skillfully moves between different periods of Umm Kulthum’s life. This temporal fluidity is supported by striking visual techniques evident in cinematography, set design, and costumes. Director Marwan Hamed and writer Ahmed Mourad succeed in presenting a contemporary dramatic treatment that goes beyond the mere recounting of historical events, offering instead a psychological exploration of “El-Set” as a character marked by strength and vulnerability, by inner conflicts and shifting emotions.

Mona Zaki’s performance as Umm Kulthum stands out as one of the film’s greatest strengths. She manages to embody the spirit of the character with all its complexities. As for her manner of speech, I believe this was a deliberate directorial choice intended to reflect a different interpretation of the character, relying on body language and vocal tone that serve the film’s context. Regarding the portrayal of the character in a seemingly negative light in certain scenes, I see this as serving the narrative, highlighting the contradictions of the human personality we all share. The inclusion of numerous stars in guest appearances also adds an extra layer of artistic value to the film.

In short, El-Set is not merely a film about a great singer; it is a tribute to women and their ability to achieve the impossible. It is a visually and intellectually engaging cinematic experience that reintroduces Umm Kulthum to new generations.

El-Set offers a distinctive artistic experience. The film does not settle for mimicking the external appearance of the Star of the East; rather, it delves into her psychological and political journey, granting the viewer a fresh and deeply affecting reading of her life. Mona Zaki’s calm, restrained performance lends authenticity and warmth to the character, while the direction pays close attention to details that make the film resemble a complete visual tableau. This approach allows El-Set to strike a balance between drama and documentation, affirming cinema’s ability to revive historical icons with a contemporary spirit.

Ultimately, El-Set succeeds in captivating the audience and presenting Umm Kulthum in an elevated artistic form. It deserves to be recognized as one of the most prominent productions of modern Egyptian cinema, as it offers a bold artistic vision of the near future, supported by inspired direction that blends suspense with profound human depth. Yasmine Abdel Aziz’s captivating performance adds exceptional vitality to the heroine, enhanced by stunning visuals and a musical score that touches the soul—a masterpiece worthy of applause for its creative exploration of identity and motherhood.

In the end, the work seeks to present a different vision; one may agree with it or disagree, but the dialogue it provokes is what ultimately enriches the viewing experience for everyone.