Following its world premiere at the Zanzibar International Film Festival — which concluded on July 2nd — "Neb Tawy" won the Sembene Ousmane Film Prize, which is a cash prize awarded to shorts in the post-production phase of their development.
“I am overjoyed with the award and the festival's recognition of a first-time filmmaker, as well as its support for short films and new talents,” said Mai Wael — the film’s director — after receiving the prize.
“I'm also grateful for the opportunity the festival afforded me to put the finishing touches on my short film.”
"Neb Tawy" follows a young woman who began working with her uncle in the illegal excavation of artifacts after her father’s death. As the days go by, she does everything she can to keep her father’s memory alive until one day, she realizes something that will turn her life upside down.
It stars Nancy Salah, Remas, and Mahmoud Hagag.
"Neb Tawy" is directed by Mai Wael from a screenplay she co-wrote with Mohamed Ali Mansour.
It is produced by Raion Production Company. MAD Solutions is handling the film’s worldwide sales and distribution.
Wael is a graduate of Egypt's Higher Institute of Cinema and has worked as an assistant director on several films, collaborating with some of Egypt's and the world's most prominent directors. Her filmography includes two short films.