2019 Winners & Shortlists

Write a short summary of what happens in the film.

A film for Egypt. A film featuring Egyptians from all forms of society, age and affiliations, as they gather around televisions, with their eyes fixed on the screen. In nail-biting tension, the film unfolds and consolidates all their emotions of that single moment, as their nation takes part of the World Cup after a 28 year wait. Their dreams and aspiration are elevated as they pray for their hero, Mohamed Salah, who directed them there, to continue his journey in leading them all the way, celebrating the country’s first win of finally stepping on the fields on Russia.

Cultural/Context information for the jury

With football being a national passion that is irrelevant to age or interest, whenever the National team is playing, everything else is put aside. With major political differences, economic challenges and no hope, Mohamed Salah has become the sole pride that no two people would disagree about. Combining him with the World Cup, Egyptians finally found the one thing that allowed them to forget their differences or worries, and actually unite. With the first game happening on the last day holy month of Ramadan and after a 28-year wait, the event had become one that the entire Nation anticipated by the second. This anticipation grew more intense with the suspense that accompanied the injury of their hero, who had dislocated his shoulder two weeks before the tournament. With initial reports assuring he would not participate, Egyptians regained hope hours before with the assurance that he would.

Provide the full film script in English.

Egyptians living the dream… One feast is over. Another begins… 100 million people waiting 28 years for this Historic moment… and it is here! Millions finally singing their anthem at the biggest stage... Their hopes pinned on one man… The pride of Egypt; The golden child: Mohamed Salah. Salah recovered from Injury... Salah to lift the nation… Salah to bring it home. With Salah you have no fear… Today Egyptians stand tall. The Pharos are at the summit; Rewriting history, bringing 100 million to their feet… The eyes of the world are on you, and your moment is here. Together we are stronger.