Egyptian Film on Trauma and Healing Competes at Berlinale

A new film exploring how ordinary people rebuild their lives after trauma is competing at the Berlin International Film Festival, one of cinema's biggest stages.

"Khoroog Amen" (Safe Exit) follows a young security guard living with PTSD after his father was murdered by extremists. The film shows his daily struggle to piece together a normal life after devastating loss.

Director Mohamed Hammad created the psychological thriller as a collaboration between Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Qatar, and Germany. The project screened in the festival's prestigious Panorama section from February 12 to 22.

What makes this film special is its focus on what happens after the cameras leave. Instead of dramatizing violence, it explores the quiet, human work of healing and moving forward.

Hammad co-founded an independent production house specifically to tell stories Egyptian cinema rarely touches. He wanted to examine the real human cost of violence and the beliefs that drive it, creating space for understanding across deep differences.

Producer Dora Bouchoucha says the film addresses "unresolved traumas of generations burdened by identity-based violence." Producer Dina Farouk emphasizes it treats trauma as a lived experience, not just a dramatic device.

The creative team self-funded the project to maintain complete artistic freedom. Working outside traditional studio systems allowed them to tackle complex social issues without compromise.

Why This Inspires

This film represents a growing movement of independent filmmakers choosing to tell difficult but necessary stories. By focusing on healing rather than violence, and humanity rather than division, "Khoroog Amen" offers a different lens for understanding conflict's impact.

The international collaboration behind the project shows artists across North Africa and Europe working together to process shared challenges. Their willingness to fund the work themselves demonstrates deep commitment to sparking meaningful conversation.

Bringing this perspective to one of the world's top film festivals gives global visibility to voices often missing from mainstream cinema. It proves audiences are hungry for nuanced stories about recovery, resilience, and our shared humanity.

The film opens a door for viewers everywhere to contemplate how we bridge differences and support each other through trauma's long aftermath.