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.