2019 Winners & Shortlists

Write a short summary of what happens in the film.

100 years is no small feature as 100 years shaping lives, careers and achievements is something to celebrate. The film breaks down relatable micro-moments experienced throughout the 100 years at American University in Cairo (AUC), as well as the accomplishments of some of the most astute graduates and alumni. It’s a collection of moments, building up to something much bigger; a celebration of each of those moments and what they’ve amounted to. It’s an equation of what 100 years of AUC is and what it has given people in return. This film showcases the personalities that have belonged to the line of alumni that have successfully achieved their dreams in Egypt and around the world. We mixed facts and well-known alumni to create a celebratory piece that not only embodies the success of the alumni and AUC, but also the success of Egypt.

Cultural/Context information for the jury

AUC, the oldest and most prestigious private university in Cairo, has had its doors open for 100 proud years. So, instead of letting time take its toll on AUC we made it work for us; we showcased the collision between the past 100 years and the upcoming 100 years, the collision between authenticity and progression, and focused on what’s next while holding on to AUC’s legacy. Because in these 100 years, AUC has produced an array of diverse and yet equally impressive and capable graduates who have gone on to touch, change, and shape the world around them. The people who came out of AUC are our greatest measure of success and celebrating an educational institution through its own alumni is surely a welcome message to the students to come, as what better proof can we provide than the people who shape our current world.

Tell the jury anything relevant about the direction.

The way we present each story should aim to further explain the achievement of the alumni and the role the AUC played in that achievement. Narrative, as a way of explaining the camera setup and the interaction of our characters within the story, becomes a key element. We need to tell stories, for each scene, each alumni, a short micro story needs to be achieved through compact narrative elements. We needed to stick to powerful visuals; constructs based on poetic licenses. The film was constant camera movement. Transitions play a huge role as we weave these stories together.