The highly anticipated biographical film “The Six,” chronicling the life of Egyptian singing legend Um Kulthum, is set to make its world premiere at the 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival this November. Starring Mona Zaki in the titular role, the film is already generating buzz with its all-star cast, which includes a notable cameo from Ahmed Helmy – briefly seen as a police officer in the film’s trailer. Beyond the festival circuit, “The Six” is being hailed as a importent moment for Egyptian cinema, promising a nuanced portrayal of a cultural icon[[[[], [[3]] ].
Egyptian superstar Ahmed Helmy will appear in the upcoming film The Sixas a guest star, briefly appearing in the film’s trailer dressed as a police officer. Details of his role remain under wraps.
Marrakech Film Festival to Showcase ‘The Six’
The 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival, running from November 28 to December 6, 2025, will host the world premiere of The Six, a biographical film about the iconic Egyptian singer Um Kulthum, portrayed by Ahmed Helmy’s wife, Mona Zaki. The premiere marks a significant moment for Egyptian cinema on the international stage.
Star-Studded Cast Joins Mona Zaki in ‘The Six’
The Six , directed by Marwan Hamed and written by Ahmed Murad, boasts an impressive ensemble cast including Mona Zaki, Mohamed Farrag, Ahmed Khaled Saleh, Tamer Nabil, and Sayed Ragab. The film also features a number of prominent actors in cameo roles, including Ahmed Helmy, Amr Saad, Karim Abdel Aziz, Nelly Karim, and Amina Khalil.
Ahmed Murad on ‘The Six’: “One of the Most Difficult Films”
Novelist Ahmed Murad shared that The Six“is one of the most difficult films that Marwan Hamed and I have worked on,” explaining, “It lacks the excitement that usually attracts audiences.” He continued, “But we’re talking about a real person who lived among us, facing a lot of criticism from people asking what’s new, but every generation has the right to learn about her.”
Murad also noted that they completely abandoned fantasy, graphics, and action in the film, emphasizing that it’s a female-led story, which is currently challenging in Egyptian cinema. “Women’s cinema has become rare,” he said, “and we will address Um Kulthum in a human way that no one has known before.”
Ahmed Helmy
