2020/2021 Winners & Shortlists

Write a short summary of what happens in the film

This is a short film where Abla Fahita (one of the most prominent comedians in Egypt) encounters a Jinn. More specifically, a Jinn called Keras, a main character in a new Netflix series called Jinn. One night, Abla is looking for something to watch on Netflix. She wants something romantic and stumbles upon Jinn (a supernatural teen drama). Half way through her binge, she falls asleep. That’s when she encounters Keras. He tries to recruit Abla to help him stop a bad Jinn from wreaking havoc on the world. But Abla being Abla, turns his sincere intentions into something a little more suggestive. That is, of course, until she realises that perhaps he’s too young for someone her age.

Cultural / Context information for the jury

Abla Fahita is an Egyptian satirical puppet who is well known in the region. She is a Youtube sensation turned TV talk show host. With her trademark rollers, thick eyeliner and glamorous outfits, Abla Fahita makes a lasting impression wherever she goes. A gossipy widow with a sharp tongue and dark humour, she isn’t afraid to push the boundaries on taboo topics in the region. ‘Abla’ (teacher in Arabic) has a soft spot for handsome men and isn’t afraid to flirt with them. After all, a puppet has needs. Jinn is the first Middle East Original series from Netflix. A supernatural teen drama set in Jordan, about a group of teenagers who accidentally summon ancient Jinns (spirits/genies who can be good or evil). Keras is a good Jinn and he’s on a mission to stop the evil ones. Our film ran after Jinn launched, so viewers had storyline context.

Provide the full film script in English.

Script Film opens in Abla Fahita’s hotel suite. The suite is a mess, her things are everywhere, she doesn't care. It’s after hours and it’s her alone time. We hear Abla’s voice offscreen: Hmmm, what should I watch? We see Abla, she’s unwinding in her suite. She's got her laptop, looking for something to watch on Netflix: La Casa De Papel? Abla no hablas español. Orange is the New Black? Naah. Not enough men in that show. What else… What’s this? Jinn! This looks romantic! CUT TO scenes from Jinn Ep1. Abla’s already into it. 2 hours later, Abla’s long day has caught up to her. She's fallen asleep, when a loud sound from the episode wakes her up. Abla wakes up scared: I can’t handle more ghosts. My late husband is more than enough (running inside joke for Abla fans). Abla shuts the laptop screen. We reveal Keras in her suite. Abla frightened: My Horror! Are you human or Jinn? ( jinn sounds like the Arabic word for sex in her accent) Keras: Don’t scream. Abla: How did you get in? Somebody help! Keras raises his hand to silence Abla, using his power (as he does in the show). He slowly walks towards her. Keras: I told you not to scream. I know you must be afraid right now. Abla: Me? I’m never scared of men. Keras: But I’m not a man. Abla: Not a man? Now that’s terrifying. CUT TO Keras sitting next to Abla. Keras: I mean I’m not human. I’m Keras, a Jinn. Abla: Keras? (in a flirty manner) I have a Keras (crush) on you. Where were you, Jinn, when we were hustling people? Keras doesn’t respond to her flirt: Abla, I really need you to focus here, it’s important. Do you think any of your friends are in contact with a Jinn? Abla pauses to think about it, she’s comfortable with Keras now: Could it be Fifi Abdou, she always talks weird. Or could it be Ahlam? She has more jewelry than what’s in Ali Baba's vault. Keras is now getting frustrated: Okay, forget about your friends for now. You are the one who will help me. I must get inside you, so we can unite. Abla: Inside me?! Please explain. My mind wanders, you know. Keras: We must unite. And you’ll be able to do whatever you want. Abla: Are we going to unite on the first date? Shouldn’t we get to know each other first? Keras: There’s no time! We have to save humanity. Abla: Well, if we’re saving humanity...then I’m willing to make the sacrifice. Abla throws herself onto Keras. Keras is awkward: Abla, what are you doing? Abla: Uniting... Keras: That’s not how we do it. You need to hold my hands, and look into my eyes. Keras holds onto Abla’s puppet hands. Abla: Why? Are we in a cafe? How disappointing. Abla continues talking. She wants to make the best of this encounter: How about you tell me who killed Tarek? Keras has had enough: Abla! We have more important things to deal with. Abla throws Keras off his mission: Ay! My leg cramped. She raises her feet for Keras to massage them. Abla: Here, massage me. We can’t unite with a cramp in my foot. Keras starts massaging her feet as Abla gives him instructions on how to massage. Keras interupts her moment: This won’t work, Abla. It’s getting late, and I have school in the morning. Abla is taken aback: School?! You’re in school? Keras: Yes, Abla. (Abla means teacher in Arabic) Abla: It’s true I'm an Abla, but I'm not into students. Keras: Abla, please! Abla goes into a fit: Nooo! No students...no students... No…No…No... CUT TO Abla waking up with a jolt. Was this all a dream? We see Jinn is still playing on her screen. She shuts the laptop, only to find Keras’ scarf on her couch. Was it all real? Abla looks suspicious. Netflix OUTRO JINN