Mad Solutions and Irth: A Pan-Arab Partnership for the Ages

Two Sides, One Vision

Picture this: you're at the Venice Film Festival, a place where cinematic dreams come alive under the watchful eyes of industry giants. In the midst of all that glitz and glamour, Mad Solutions and Haitham Dabbour's Irth platform make a splash with their strategic partnership — not just another business deal, but an artistic alliance that could reshape how Arab stories are told globally.

"I don't think I've ever been more excited to be part of something so ambitious," said Isabella Chen, our culture critic, while sipping her espresso at a quiet café near the Lido. "This isn't just about distribution or sales; it's about giving writers a voice that's finally being heard across borders."

Their mission? To bring the best of Arabic storytelling to the world stage through film and television, leveraging Mad Solutions' regional expertise with Irth's commitment to nurturing literary voices from across the Arab world. It's like two artists who have never met before, discovering they share the same brushstrokes.

Mad Solutions: The Powerhouse Behind the Scenes

Founded in 2010 by Alaa Karkouti and Maher Diab, Mad Solutions has been a driving force in promoting Arab cinema globally. From its inception, it's operated with an impressive structure that includes:

• Mad World: Handling international sales of Arab films
• Mad Distribution: Managing sales and distribution within the Arab world
• Mad Celebrity: Talent management for on-screen and off-screen talent

This trio forms the backbone of a network that's already made waves in the global entertainment landscape. And now, with Irth, they're about to take it even further — developing, packaging, and supporting content that not only reflects regional identity but also resonates on an international scale.

Irth: Where Writers Unite

Irth, launched during the 2025 Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia, is more than just another platform — it's a writers' room that brings together voices from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and beyond. What makes Irth special? It's built around a core belief: storytelling should be collaborative and inclusive.

The first phase of this partnership aims to create a pipeline for original Arabic projects — some talent-driven, others developed through third-party assignments. This means writers get the opportunity to explore new territories, collaborate with established filmmakers, and see their work brought to life on screen.

A Strategic Move in Venice

What better time to announce such a partnership than at the Venice Film Festival? Mad Solutions is already making headlines here with two films screening this year:

• Al Baraneya, directed by Ashgan El-Hamus, which explores rural Egyptian family dynamics.
• Conversations with the Sea, a Palestinian drama directed by Muayad Alayan.

But it doesn't stop there. Mad Solutions will also present its annual award at the Final Cut platform — designed to support films from Africa and the Arab world through post-production and international industry opportunities.

The Visionaries Behind It All

Haitham Dabbour, an acclaimed Egyptian author known for works like Devoured by Seven Lean Cows and Moses Cross, is no stranger to the creative scene. His screenwriting credits include award-winning projects such as Gunshot and The Tale of Ahl El Daye, which had its European premiere at Berlinale's Generation section.

"Irth has always been about bringing strong writers and different Arab voices together," Dabbour stated. "Mad's regional and international reach gives us the opportunity to take that work further and open new possibilities for the projects and writers we work with."

Building a Future of Stories

This partnership between Mad Solutions and Irth isn't just about creating another project or expanding market share — it's about crafting a future where Arab stories are not just seen, but celebrated.

It's a testament to how far we've come when creative forces like these come together. As we look ahead, one thing is certain: the next chapter of Arabic storytelling is going to be even more compelling than ever before.