The 78th Cannes Film Festival (13-24 May) is off to a strong start, and Egypt is making its mark this year. With a distinguished lineup and the launch of the unified Egyptian Pavilion, Egypt is cementing its presence on the global film scene.
While the festival highlights voices from across the Arab world, Egypt’s participation stands out as it showcases diverse and compelling stories that Egyptian filmmakers present to global audiences.
In a pioneering move, three of Egypt’s most prominent film institutions—the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF), the El Gouna Film Festival (GFF), and the Egyptian Cinema Authority (EFC)—have come together to launch a unified Egyptian Pavilion. The Egyptian Pavilion represents a vital hub, bringing together filmmakers, producers, distributors, and other industry professionals to collaborate, exchange ideas, and generate opportunities.
One of the standout films at this year’s festival is Aisha Can’t Fly Away, the debut feature by Egyptian director Morad Mostafa, who gained international acclaim with his short film I Promise You Paradise, winning the prestigious Rail d’Or at Cannes’ Critics’ Week in 2023. Aisha Can’t Fly Away takes us deep into the heart of Cairo’s criminal underworld, following the story of a 26-year-old Sudanese caregiver entangled in a web of blackmail, fear, and an uncertain relationship with a young Egyptian cook. Struggling to survive in a city full of challenges, Aisha’s journey is a tense and gripping one.
What makes this film particularly striking is its exploration of the often-overlooked experiences of African migrants in Cairo, a theme seldom tackled in Egyptian cinema. Buliana Simon delivers an outstanding performance as Aisha, while Ziad Zaza, a popular Egyptian rapper, makes his acting debut with a notable presence. With the technical mastery of cinematographer Mostafa El Kashef and editor Mohamed Mamdouh, the film is a powerful study of fear, resilience, and survival. Aisha Can’t Fly Away is featured in the Un Certain Regard First Films section at Cannes, a testament to its strong narrative and exceptional performances.
Another film making a strong impact at Cannes is Life After Siham by Egyptian director Namir Abdel-Messeeh. Known for his previous work The Virgin, the Copts and Me (2011), Abdel-Messeeh once again delivers a deeply personal documentary, this time reflecting on his journey of grief and reconciliation following the death of his mother, Siham, a central figure in his earlier film. He explores themes of memory, identity, and the connection between personal loss and cultural heritage, navigating the spaces between Egypt and France as he contemplates his family history and the link between film and memory.
Life After Siham is not just an intimate exploration of grief but also a broader reflection on cinema’s role in preserving the past. Abdel-Messeeh’s attempt to reconnect with his late mother through film evolves into a meditation on the power of cinema as a tool for healing. The film has been selected for the prestigious Cannes parallel section ACID (Association du Cinéma Indépendant pour sa Diffusion).
Eagles of the Republic is the latest political thriller from Swedish director Tarik Saleh, who brings his Egyptian roots to the screen in this highly anticipated final installment of his Cairo trilogy. Following The Nile Hilton Incident (2017) and Boy from Heaven (2022), Eagles of the Republic which stars Swedish-Lebanese actor Fares Fares has earned a prestigious nomination for the Palme d’Or.
Another bold entry at Cannes is La Petite Dernière by Tunisian-French director Hafsia Herzi, known for her work on La Graine et le Mulet (2007). This time, Herzi tells the story of Fatima, a 17-year-old girl grappling with her sexuality while facing the weight of her family’s expectations. Set within a French-Algerian household, the film is a powerful coming-of-age drama that explores the tension between personal desires and cultural pressures. Herzi’s sensitive and honest portrayal of identity, particularly within a multicultural context, makes La Petite Dernière a significant contribution to the ongoing discourse on gender and identity. The film has earned its place in the official competition at Cannes, marking it as a standout work.
From Palestine, the Nasser brothers—Arab and Tarzan Nasser—return to Cannes with Once Upon a Time in Gaza, a darkly comic film set in the Gaza Strip in 2007. The story follows Yahya, a young student who forms an unlikely friendship with Osama, a restaurant owner turned drug dealer, as they navigate a world filled with corruption and danger. What makes Once Upon a Time in Gaza unique is its blend of humour and serious political and social commentary, capturing both the absurdities and harsh realities of life in Gaza. The Nasser brothers continue to explore the complexities of life in the region, delivering a film that celebrates the resilience of Gaza’s people. The film is in Un Certain Regard, marking another significant achievement.
The Nassers’ last film, Gaza Mon Amour (2020), was widely acclaimed, earning nine wins and 12 nominations across several prestigious festivals including the Venice Film Festival, and the Toronto International Film Festival, where it won the NETPAC Award.
Another standout in Un Certain Regard is Promised Sky, the latest film from Tunisian director Erige Sehiri, further showcasing the diversity of voices emerging from Tunisia. Known for her critically acclaimed Under the Fig Trees (2021), Sehiri presents a deeply moving drama about Marie, an Ivorian pastor in Tunisia, who takes in two women in need of refuge: Naney, a young mother, and Jolie, a determined student striving for a better future. Their lives take a dramatic turn when a young orphan girl arrives, compelling the women to confront their vulnerabilities and strengths in a tense social climate. Sehiri’s nuanced storytelling masterfully explores the fragility of human connection in a world that continuously challenges it. Promised Sky is a heartfelt exploration of community, solidarity, and the complexities of survival in a divided world.
This year’s Directors’ Fortnight at Cannes features Hasan Hadi’s The President’s Cake, a harrowing tale set in Saddam Hussein’s Iraq. The film follows Lamia, a young girl tasked with gathering the ingredients for a mandatory birthday cake for the dictator, knowing that failure could have deadly consequences. Through its intense narrative, The President’s Cake offers a stark and emotional portrayal of life under an oppressive regime, shedding light on the absurdity and cruelty of a system built on fear. Hadi’s feature debut, following his successful short Swimsuit, brings a deeply personal and affecting story to the screen. This is the only MENA title featured in this year’s Directors’ Fortnight, further cementing its significance in the festival’s lineup.
Sepideh Farsi’s Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk is a powerful documentary that brings the Palestinian struggle into sharp focus. The film follows Palestinian photojournalist Fatima Hassouna as she captures the harsh realities of life in Gaza. Things take on even greater significance when Fatima is tragically killed during an Israeli attack, transforming the film into a poignant tribute to her work and a moving statement on the role of journalism in times of conflict. Farsi, a filmmaker known for her activism, presents this film not merely as a record of suffering but as an emotional response to the ongoing conflict in Palestine. The film is featured in the Cannes ACID. Farsi has made over 15 films, including Tehran Without Authorization (2009) and Red Rose (2014).
I’m Glad You’re Dead Now is the Palestinian actor Tawfeek Barhom’s directorial debut. The short film tells the story of two brothers returning to the island of their childhood to confront buried family secrets. Known for his acting roles, Barhom brings a personal touch to the film, offering a deep exploration of grief, family, and memory. His portrayal of the complexities of brotherhood and loss adds emotional depth to the story, resonating with anyone who has experienced similar familial struggles. The film is in the In Competition Short Films section at Cannes.
In L’Mina, Randa Maroufi offers a poignant short film about the lives of coal miners in Jerada, Morocco. The film explores the informal mining industry that thrives in a town where official mining operations were shut down years ago. Maroufi’s documentary-style approach, blending fiction and reality, creates a powerful narrative about survival and resilience in a region grappling with economic hardship. The film offers a rare glimpse into the life of an often- overlooked community, highlighting its struggles and resilience. L’Mina is screening as part of the Critics’ Week Short Films Competition at Cannes.
One of the more exciting projects to emerge from the region is Evil Eye (Ayin Hara), an Iraqi film by director Yasir Kareem. The project was selected by The Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) to represent the festival at the prestigious Fantastic 7 initiative, held annually as part of the Cannes Film Festival. Fantastic 7 is a globally respected platform that showcases the future of genre cinema, particularly in fantasy, horror, and science fiction, with projects nominated by major international film festivals.
Set against the hauntingly beautiful marshes of southern Iraq, Evil Eye blends myth with reality, telling the story of a young woman fighting against rigid societal traditions. The narrative is deeply rooted in themes of fear, resistance, and personal struggle, offering a compelling exploration of cultural tension and resilience.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 15 May, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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