Filmed in Hungary with Flatpack Films: EL SET
zita kisgergely
Coming to Netflix this week is a biopic about legendary Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum, whose voice was described by Maria Callas as “incomparable”. The feature was partly filmed with the help of Flatpack Films, recreating the cities of Alexandria and Paris in Hungary for scenes shot here.
Umm Kulthum. Photo via Wikipedia
Alternatively referred to affectionately in Egypt as “El Set” (the lady) or the “fourth pyramid”, Umm Kulthum (1904-1975) was a singer revered throughout the Arab world. She also had many fans in the West; her unique singing talent was admired by musicians such as Bob Dylan, Bono and Robert Plant.
Kulthum had a humble upbringing in an Egyptian village. Born to a rural imam father, she started singing with her family’s ensemble, wearing a boy’s cloak and Bedouin head covering on stage. Kulthum would eventually forge a reputation as one of the greatest singers of Egypt.
Her rare contralto (the lowest female register) voice was one of the things that set her apart. Her vocal range extended from as low as the 2nd octave up to the 7th or 8th at her peak. Additionally, she had incredible vocal strength, able to produce 14,000 vibrations per second with her vocal cords. This meant she had to be positioned three feet away from the microphone. A skilled improviser, it was also widely believed that she never sang a lyric the same way twice.
Kulthum’s lengthy, heartfelt performances combined emotional truth with hot-button issues of the time–she was not one to shy away from exploring politics through her music. This became especially pertinent while Egypt rebuilt itself after British colonial rule ended. El Set’s career grew in parallel with the country’s new-found independence, her songs symbolising Egyptian identity. Illustrating her significant influence is the fact that over 4 million people attended her funeral service in 1975.
Photo via Wikipedia. Most probably taken in 1968 at one of her last performances.
Her music still carries weight today, not only in Egypt but in other Middle Eastern countries and beyond. On a list of the 200 greatest singers of all time, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Umm Kulthum at number 61.
It’s no surprise that Marwan Hammed is the director behind the El Set film. He is one of the leading directors in Egypt and one who has continuously set box office records there. His last film, a historical epic Kira & El Gin (2023)–on which Flatpack Films also had the pleasure of working–was a huge financial success that brought audiences back to the cinema post-pandemic.
El Set will be released on Netflix 11th December 2025.
Sources and Further Information:
Flatpack Films has years of experience servicing international brands, agencies, and production companies. Filming in Hungary is easy when relying on their knowledge of the market and ability to solve complex needs. They bring the best that Hungary has to offer in terms of unique locations, exceptionally skilled crews, top-of-the-line equipment and technical solutions. Backed by an impeccable track record, Flatpack Films has worked with world-class clients including Samsung, Samsonite, Toyota, Braun, Chivas Regal and many more.
Get in touch and learn more about Budapest film locations, Hungarian film incentives, film tax credits in Hungary and how Flatpack Films can bring your project to life through a highly bespoke approach.