The film, co-written by Gohar and Mohamed Diab, is set to have its world premiere and be screened in the festival's International Narrative Competition along with 10 other works.
Happy Birthday highlights the issue of child domestic labour and classism in modern Cairo from the perspective of a child maid.
It follows the story of an eight-year-old maid, Toha, who has never celebrated her birthday. Then, Toha becomes determined to ensure her best friend, Nelly, gets a birthday party.
However, social boundaries block Toha as her friend's wealthy family sends her away to their fishing village to prevent her from attending the party.
Although Toha manages to find her way back to the party, she discovers that her presence is unwelcome. Then, she realizes a different side of the family she has grown attached to.
The film exposes the unjust prejudices of the rich, portraying a young girl's quest for happiness in the face of societal challenges.
The 95-minute-long feature stars Nelly Karim, Hanan Motawie, Sherif Salama, Aly Sobhy, and child Doha Ramadan.
On Instagram, Gohar expressed her excitement that her film had been officially selected for the Tribeca 2025 festival.
A Palestinian short film, I Hope This Email Finds You Well, by Asia Zughaiar, will also have its world premiere in this edition.
The annual festival’s categories range from narrative to short, documentary, animated, and music videos.
The 2025 edition will feature films by 105 filmmakers, including 82 in competition and 10 music videos from over 30 countries, as well as 49 world premieres.
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