New Wave acquires UK rights to Winter of Discontent

Frank Mannion’s Swipe Films has sold Winter of Discontent [pictured] to New Wave Films for the UK and Ireland.

The film had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival and will have its UK premiere on Oct 20 as part of the BFI London FIlm Festival.

Ibrahim El Batout directs.

The story is set against Cairo’s Tahrir Square protests, and tells the stories of an activist (Amr Waked), a journalist (Farah Youssef) and a state security officer (Salah Alhanafy). It also explores the anguish of a victim of state terror in 2009.

Waked, whose credits also include Syriana and Salmon Fishing In The Yemen, also produced through his company Zad Communication & Production. He said: “My first day of shooting on the movie was actually in the chaotic mayhem of Tahrir Square, on the day before Mubarek stepped downfrom power. I am thrilled that the film will now receive a UK release and audiences will get to witness first hand the heady, often surreal atmosphere of terror and uncertainty that characterized the last days of Mubarek’s rule.”

Robert Beeson of New Wave Films said: “After witnessing the rapturous 10 minute standing ovation the film received at its world premiere in Venice, we are thrilled to be giving UK audiences the opportunity to see a fresh take on the events of the Arab Spring.”

Frank Mannion of Swipe Films, added: “In New Wave Films, we have found the best possible, not to mention, the most tenacious distributor, in the UK. They are also anappropriately named company for this film as Winter of Discontent does, in my opinion, represents the crest of an exciting new wave in Arab cinema. It is a powerful movie that will resonate with all independent film lovers and those with a passion for delving deeper into the seminal events that changed the face of Egypt.”

Mannion noted that other “significant” deals were being negotiated.