“One More Show” Wins Praise Without Tears

The documentary One More Show, by young Egyptian director Mai Saad and Palestinian director Ahmed Al-Danaf, succeeds in saying so much and capturing the Palestinian spirit that clings to life amid destruction and genocide, through the story of the “Free Gaza Circus.”

The film was screened on Thursday, November 13, within the Gala section of the 46th Cairo International Film Festival, marking its world premiere.

Ahmed Al-Danaf

The events unfold amid the devastation caused by the genocide in Gaza, where a group of circus artists refuse to surrender to despair despite the brutal reality. The film follows the “Free Gaza Circus,” formed by Youssef, Batout, Ismail, Mohamed, and Just, who were displaced from northern Gaza to the south—yet transformed their art into an act of resistance, resilience, and hope.

While death hovers in the background, the troupe continues to perform for children in shelters and in the streets, offering them moments of joy in the darkest of times, delivering a deeply human message about creativity in the face of destruction.

One More Show marks the first feature documentary experience for both directors.

Mai Saad

Mai Saad is an Egyptian filmmaker who began her career as an assistant director on several feature and short films. She is currently producing a new documentary and works as a creative producer on a feature narrative film, with this project being her first documentary directorial work.

Ahmed Al-Danaf is a cinematographer and filmmaker from Gaza. His short film A School Day won the Youssef Chahine Award at Cairo International Film Festival 2024 and participated in several international festivals.

In a touching gesture, director Mai Saad went up on stage while on a video call with co-director Ahmed Al-Danaf, who was unable to attend the screening, join her on the red carpet, or hear the audience's questions.

When the presenter asked her about it, she replied:

"It is normal for him to attend his film's screening, but what is abnormal is for him not to be present when his film is screened at the festival."

The film is nominated for the Audience Award.