'khamastashar' wins best film award in Zawya Short Film Festival

CAIRO – 3 February 2019: Fourteen films competed in the fourth edition of Zawya Short Film Festival, which came to a closure on Feb. 2. The festival’s judging committee, included director Ahmad Fawzy, scenarist Mariam Naoum and Abdel Salam Mousa.

“Khamastashar” (fifteen) won the best film award, worth LE 15,000. The film’s director Sameh Alaa won the best director award, receiving a prize of LE 10,000. “Zay el-Shams” (Just like the sun) directed by Hana Mahmoud won the judging committee's prize, worth LE 10,000. In addition, Christine Hana’s film “Sabe’e Sama” (Seventh sky) received a certificate of appreciation. “Tumatik” directed by Christof Saber won the public award, receiving a prize of LE 10,000.

Zawya displays a wide selection of films from different parts of the world, including short films, documentaries, feature films and experimental work. Zawya's program also includes theatrical releases and special events.

The festival's program relies mainly on local independent films, supporting and promoting young Egyptian and Arab filmmakers' work. Zaywa aims to eventually grow into a series of cinema screens spread out across the country. Paying special attention to the concept of education and cinema, Zawya develops strong educational programs in collaboration with schools and universities in Egypt.