Following its remarkable success in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, the Egyptian thriller “Flight 404” is set for a strategic release in the United States and Europe, signaling its expansion beyond regional borders.
Directed by Hani Khalifa, the film stars Mona Zaki in a gripping portrayal of Ghada, an Egyptian woman grappling with her past as she prepares for the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. Forced to confront unexpected challenges requiring substantial funds, Ghada finds herself entangled with figures from her murky history, setting the stage for a suspenseful narrative.
Since its premiere in Egypt on January 25th, “Flight 404” has achieved resounding success, garnering over 450,000 admissions across the MENA region. Notably, the film shattered Egyptian box office records for female-led productions and dominated box office charts in Saudi Arabia for four consecutive weeks, amassing approximately 280,000 admissions and grossing $4 million, according to distributor Front Row Filmed Entertainment.
Expanding its reach, “Flight 404” commenced limited screenings in the U.S. and Canada on February 23rd through distributor Ceema Films, specializing in the international release of Arabic cinema. The film is slated for release in Sweden, Denmark, Austria, and the Netherlands on March 1st.
Theatrical distribution in Egypt was overseen by Misr International Films, while Front Row Filmed Entertainment managed distribution in the Gulf Cooperation Council, comprising Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Empire, Ciné 7ème Art, and other entities are responsible for releasing the film in various territories across the MENA region.
Producer Mohamed Hefzy expressed optimism regarding the film’s potential to resonate with international audiences, emphasizing its compelling narrative and universal themes. Hefzy hopes that “Flight 404” will pave the way for more Arabic language titles to reach global audiences in the years ahead.
Featuring an esteemed cast including Mohamed Farrag, Mohamed Mamdouh, Shereen Reda, Khaled al-Sawi, Mohamed Alaa, and Hassan Al-Adl, “Flight 404” is a collaborative effort between production companies Film Clinic, Lagoonie Film Production, Pictures Entertainment Group, and Hi Media Production, underscoring its cross-cultural significance.
