2 Egyptians to Partake in GFF Short Film Competition

The fourth edition of the El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) kicks off on the 23th of October.

This year’s Feature Narrative Competition witnesses wide international participation besides an Egyptian absence away from the competition; however, there are two Egyptian participants in the Short Film competition.

The first film is “I am Afraid to Forget your Face” (Setasher). Directed by Sameh Alaa, the film revolves around Adam, who—after being separated for 82 days—decides to venture a rough road to be reunited with the one he loves. The coming-of-age story tackles several social issues and the challenges faced by youth.

It is the first Egyptian film to be selected for the Official Short Film Competition at the Cannes Film Festival in 50 years.

The other film is “The Other Cheek” (El Khad Al Akher). The film is directed by Sandro Canaan and starred by Tarek Abdel Aziz.

The film narrates the story After Nashaat’s daughter after she was viciously attacked by the neighbors’ dog; he got annoyed to hear rumors that she provoked the attack. Reading the accusatory article aloud to his manipulative ex-wife only leads to a heated confrontation and the father’s irritation grows.

Seeing his daughter disfigured after the brutal incident, Nashaat has a hard time turning the other cheek. The hurt and angry father sees no other way but to take his frustrations out on the perpetrator, even if it means acting against his nature and beliefs.