HMA announces winner in "Women in the New Egypt" film competition
The British Embassy in Cairo hosted last Wednesday, a reception where his Excellency announced the winners in the “Women in the New Egypt” film competition. Sondos Shabayek, the film maker of “El Bent”.
Under the auspices of the British Ambassador to Cairo, HMA James Watt and in partnership with the British Council and Misr International Films, the British Embassy in Cairo hosted last Wednesday, a reception where his Excellency announced the winners in the “Women in the New Egypt” film competition. Sondos Shabayek, the film maker of “El Bent” film, was the first winner where she was awarded a week long fellowship at a prestigious film institute in London, Nada Reyadh, filmmaker of “Iftiradi” film was the second winner and Mina Magdyf Film maker of “Ibn Bnot” film.
Many Media figures and actors including famous actress Yousra, attended the reception, in addition to a number of filmmakers, young actors and critics.
“”Women in The New Egypt” is a film competition that seeks to exhibit authentic voices profiling women in transition in Egypt, in partnership with the British Embassy and the British Council, Misr International Films have produced five creative and personal films which are: “Beheya”, “Ibn Bnot”, “Ifirada” “Masreya” and “El Bent”.
The call for projects began in May when ten candidates were chosen from over 70 applicants to attend a three-day mentoring workshop in Dahshur. Director Mohamed Khan provided support to the filmmakers in the development of their films, helping the budding directors to turn their treatments into story boards. Of the ten involved, five were selected and provided with equipment and production support.
HM Ambassador, James Watt said “Film is one of the most powerful forms of social communication. It can give expression to authentic voices to describe realities and people’s aspirations. With the professionals of MIF, we have set out to empower young first-time film-makers to do exactly this. The talent being shown by these young Egyptians is outstanding.
Marianne Khoury, MIF managing partner and film-maker said “MIF is dedicated to nurturing the talent of emerging film-makers. The initiative of “Women in The New Egypt” is timely given the events the country is currently witnessing. The resulting interaction with the youth of this generation has brought to the fore five new projects that will go into production in the coming days …. It is a joy to listen to their voices.
View the photos