Cannes Film Festival hosted the world premiere of "Life After Seham," directed and written by Namir Abdel Messeeh, as part of the ACID section dedicated to supporting independent cinema. The screening was attended by the entire film crew alongside the producers, including Egyptian producers, in an atmosphere filled with appreciation and enthusiasm from both the audience and critics.
"Life After Seham" received two awards from Cairo Film Connection sponsors (ART and Ergo) in 2021, as part of the platform’s ongoing support for new cinematic voices in the Arab world. This support has led to the production of a remarkable documentary that has captured the attention of Cannes audiences.
The 76-minute film marks the second documentary by Namir Abdel Messeeh, the Egyptian director who grew up in France and studied filmmaking at the prestigious La Fémis school. In this work, Abdel Messeeh continues to explore themes of identity, belonging, and memory, offering a deeply human perspective that resonates with viewers.
Mohamed Sayed Abdel Rahim, Head of Cairo Industry Days at Cairo International Film Festival, expressed his great happiness at the film’s warm reception at its premiere, saying:
“We are extremely proud to see one of Cairo Film Connection’s projects achieving such international success and recognition at a festival as prominent as Cannes. This achievement underscores the importance of supporting young Arab talents and highlights the role of Cairo Film Connection as a catalyst for ambitious cinematic projects.”
This success reflects the growing role of the Cairo International Film Festival and its industry platform in supporting and developing Arab cinema, bringing it to global stages, and enhancing the presence of Egyptian and Arab talents in international forums.