Flexing its muscles as the world’s largest distributor of Arabic film content as well as the Arab World’s leading talent representation company, MAD Solutions has added MAD Rising talent Youssef Omar to the cast of the upcoming British-Chinese action thriller SHASHOU, which the company will also release across Arabic-speaking territories.
Youssef, a fast-emerging Egyptian actor who arrives hot off three widely-watched roles during the recent Ramadan peak television season. Other international cast members will be confirmed soon.
SHASHOU is being produced by Hong Kong’s Phoenix Waters Productions together with London-based Berkeley Media Group and Ostara Pictures, with SC Films International handling worldwide sales. In addition to MAD Solutions coming on board as the film’s MENA distributor, South Korea’s Studio Target is joining forces as the Korean distributor.
SHASHOU is set in the shady world of ex-special forces, where outcasts Kelly Frost, Rachel Chan, and Inferno unite to stop a billionaire’s plot to destabilize Hong Kong. Amidst secrets and shifting alliances, trust is their only hope, as the mysterious ‘Shashou’ watch from the shadows.
The film is being produced and directed by Bizhan Tong, a British producer, screenwriter, and film director who is the founder and CEO of Phoenix Waters Productions — a company dedicated to creating high-concept productions with global appeal. Michael Chuah (FIREFLY), Yu-Fai Suen (THE EYE), and Raimund Berens (SIEGE ON LIPERTI STREET) are also producing.
Youssef Omar is a rising Egyptian actor known for his versatile roles and captivating performances. He gained widespread recognition with his breakthrough in the 2018 drama RAHIM and has since starred in popular series like SETAT BEIT AL-MAADI, where his portrayal of Timo El-Badry catapulted him to fame. Youssef has also successfully transitioned to the silver screen, featuring in high-grossing movies such as AWLAD HAREEM KAREEM and EL HAREEFA, with his appearance in the 45th CIFF entry MEEN YESADAQ further solidifying his status as an up-and-commer to watch out for.
Managing Partner and Executive Director of MAD Celebrity Kareem Samy explained the company strategy: “Our goal at MAD has always been to find a way to help as many Arab talents — whether they be performers or filmmakers — break into the global mainstream and champion Arab cinema wherever possible on the international stage. This can mean being involved as a company in several capacities at once.”
“Youssef Omar is the latest impressive star in our galaxy of exceptional performers, many of whom have also rubbed shoulders with the global film industry’s best and brightest. With our intervention, you can expect others in our talent stable to follow in their footsteps.”
The two Co-Founders of MAD Solutions, Alaa Karkouti and Maher Diab, say that their strategy since starting out more than 15 years ago was to ensure that “MAD and all its subsidiaries work in lockstep to provide a global platform for their clients and Arab cinema as a whole. It’s an Arab spin on the packaging strategy that Hollywood has long deployed.”
“We remain adamant that Arab creative talents should enjoy the same standing in the global entertainment market as their peers from other regions. Our dream is more within reach now than it’s ever been - and our ability to combine the strengths of our company divisions as a packaging force will only help accelerate that.”
With his film soon ready to commence production, Tong expressed his eagerness to get the cameras rolling and work with Omar. “Youssef has the kind of screen presence that’s impossible to ignore — intense, layered, and magnetic. I’m genuinely excited to direct him in SHASHOU, where his character plays a vital role in the story’s emotional core. This film brings together talent from across continents to honor the legacy of Hong Kong action cinema while reimagining it for a global audience. I’m grateful to MAD Solutions for supporting ambitious, cross-cultural projects like those from Phoenix Waters — stories that bridge East and West and speak to audiences around the world,” he said.
Since its establishment in 2015, Phoenix Waters Productions has produced several award-winning films and series, including The Escort and Forensic Psychologist, and has become known for championing bold, globally minded storytelling.
Tong has expanded his international footprint by collaborating with actors such as Robert Picardo and John Savage, while building a production hub in Hong Kong to strengthen East-West co-productions. His filmography includes the international thriller Lockdown and the Hong Kong remake of Richard Linklater’s Tape.
He continues to support the resurgence of Hong Kong cinema through innovative storytelling, international partnerships, and a commitment to commercially viable, globally resonant content.
Film producer Suen added, “It’s a pleasure for Berkeley Media Group to be working with MAD Solutions again and with such an amazing acting talent in Youssef Omar in a full-on action thriller from our wonderful director Bizhan Tong.”
Caught up in the moment, the MAD talent of the hour, Youssef Omar, said “I am humbled by everyone’s confidence in me on my first international outing. It’s every actor’s dream to step out of their local industry, and what better way to do it than in a project like SHASHOU under a world-class director like Bizhan Tong. I simply can’t wait to get started!”
