Latest news with #EssamZakaria
Broadcast Pro
19-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Egyptian film ‘Abu Judy' wins award at Zawya Short Film Festival
MAD World oversees global sales, while MAD Distribution manages the film's distribution in the Arab world. Egyptian short drama Abu Judy, directed by Adel Ahmed Yehia, has secured the Best Director Award at the ninth Zawya Short Film Festival in Cairo, following its world premiere at the Cairo International Film Festival. The accolade, which includes a cash prize of EGP 25,000, recognises the film's storytelling and cinematic execution. Competing against 26 other short films, Abu Judy was judged by an esteemed panel comprising film critic Essam Zakaria, screenwriter Heba Yousry and director Bassam Mortada. The film narrates the heartfelt story of a 10-year-old girl who frequently accompanies her father to work. Their bond is put to the test when an unforeseen incident unfolds, challenging their relationship and exploring themes of childhood, innocence and premature adulthood. Director Adel Ahmed Yehia described Abu Judy as an exploration of the complexities within the father-daughter relationship, highlighting the weight of circumstances and the resilience of childhood. He reflected on the tension between protection and survival, innocence and awareness, questioning whether the young girl retains her innocence or is forced to mature too soon due to her father's burdens. Rather than providing definitive answers, Yehia aims to provoke thought about the unseen emotional and moral struggles that exist within relationships, particularly in marginalised communities. He noted that some children remain just that, while others are compelled to grow up too soon. The film features Emad Ghoneim, Janna Farouk and Nesma Bahy, with cinematography by Disha Hesham and editing by Mohamed Mamdouh. Produced by Baho Bakhsh and Safi Eldin Mahmoud of Red Star Films, alongside Moataz Abdel Wahab of Hawadeet Films, Abu Judy is supported by MAD World, handling global sales, and MAD Distribution, overseeing its release across the Arab world.
Broadcast Pro
18-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Cairo International Film Festival appoints new artistic director
Tarek will replace Egyptian critic Essam Zakaria, who served as the festival's artistic director in its 45th edition. Egyptian film critic and programmer Mohamed Tarek has been named the new artistic director of the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF), assuming the role with immediate effect. The appointment was announced by festival president Hussein Fahmy at the Berlinale. Tarek succeeds Essam Zakaria, who served as artistic director for the 45th edition last year. Having previously worked as an artistic consultant for CIFF in 2023 and as deputy artistic director in 2022, Tarek brings extensive experience to the role. In addition to his work with CIFF, Tarek is a programmer at Cinema Akil in the UAE, a short film programmer for the Dublin International Film Festival, and a project director for 'Cinema for Development' at Cairo's Jesuit Cultural Centre. His past roles include film programmer at El Gouna Film Festival, selection committee member at Durban FilmMart, and consultant for MedFest Egypt and the Goethe-Institut. He is also an alumnus of the Locarno Industry Academy in Beirut and the Durban Talents programme. Fahmy, who has led CIFF since 2022, stated that Tarek's appointment is part of the festival's early preparations for its upcoming edition, set to take place from November 12-21.
