2019 Winners & Shortlists

Write a short summary of what happens in the film.

The film translates what life would be like if it were to imitate art; if only life could be as beautiful. The film is an attempt to bring some of the world’s master pieces to life; a life with homes, kitchens, gardens, landscapes, communities; a life one could find in Palm Hills’ newest project, Badya.

Cultural/Context information for the jury

The truth is Downtown Cairo was once a bustling cultural hub. A downtown that invited writers and intellects into its cafes and bars for long nights of debate and endless conversations. It was a downtown that invited musicians, artists, performers from all over Egypt to come flaunt their talents, shine in the public eye and find fame. Cinemas, theaters, shows, spectacles, and fashion all met in Downtown Cairo. Over the years, decades in fact, our downtown got busier, dirtier, poorer and duller, losing its glamor, its youth. Instead of actresses our cafes now hosted retired, old men. Since the 60s maybe, Egypt’s creative hub became creative-less and rather void of any real inspiration. Since then, Egyptians have longed for a replacement, nostalgically reminiscing of the lively cafes, bars and theaters that were once packed with LIFE!

Tell the jury about the choice of music track.

“Life is ‘truly’ changing everyday, in every possible way” as The Cranberries so appropriately sang in their song “Dreams”, the song we chose to help us tell the story of our very own ‘dream’; Badya. But “dreams…are never quite as it seems” just like our film, a visual with so many different stories, interpretations, riddles and findings. Re-orchestrated and covered by two young local, Egyptian talents, music composer and singer, this piece takes on a new form and a new meaning in our film. Showcasing our vision and dream of what will be Cairo’s new creative city, the song helps us walk the talk by empowering our own local talents to express their creativity through our communication.