‘OUR GENERATION’ FESTIVAL CELEBRATES RISING FILMMAKERS
The second Our Generation Film Festival highlighted the growing creative energy among young filmmakers across the Arab world – and the role of SAT-7 in giving their voices a platform.
The event was organised by SAT-7’s Youth for an Enabling Society (YES) project in collaboration with the Catholic Centre for Cinema in Cairo from 7-10 October.
“It was a surprise for us to see how many young people were waiting for a window to show their talents,” said YES project lead, Rafik George. “This is real interaction – young people creating, communicating and inspiring each other.”
Attended by filmmakers, academics, and media professionals, and covered both on national television and in the press, the Our Generation festival drew 96 short film entries and 46 photography submissions from Egypt, Sudan, Morocco, Tunisia and other countries across the region. A selection of 25 shortlisted films were then screened before a distinguished judging panel chaired by Fr Botros Daniel, Head of the Catholic Centre for Cinema.
CELEBRATING YOUNG TALENT
First prize was awarded to Cairo, directed by university student Ahmed Alaa Ismail. “The film is about my relationship with the city and my relationship with filming in the streets of Cairo. It is about how difficult it is to film on the street and the need for permits,” he said. “I didn’t expect to win first prize. I chose to make this film and participate in the competition because I love art.”
Second prize went to The Story of Mariam by Maroula Magdy, a journalism graduate and first-time director. The film centres on a young woman who expresses her faith and freedom through Sufi dancing. “It is a story that is close to my heart,” she said. “I am happy to win the second prize, and I am happy with the festival.”
Third prize went to Masafat (‘Distances’) by Liza Kamal Atiya, while the Award of Excellence was presented to In Three Darknesses by Husam Salouli of Tunisia. A special distinction went to Khayef!? (‘Afraid!?’) by Youssef Nasr.
NATIONAL ATTENTION
The festival drew widespread national media coverage in Egypt. Features, photo spreads, and television interviews appeared in 45 leading outlets, including Gomhuria, Youm7, and WataniNet, and Nile Life. [1][2][3][4]
Through the YES project, SAT-7 is continuing to invest in creative opportunities for young people across the Middle East and North Africa. By offering training, mentoring, and a public platform through the Our Generation festival, the project is equipping a new wave of storytellers to engage their communities and address real issues with empathy and faith.
The success of the second Our Generation festival – and its strong presence in Egyptian media – underscores SAT-7’s commitment to amplifying local voices and demonstrating how Christian values can inspire artistic excellence.
The YES project is implemented by SAT-7 Egypt in partnership with the Norwegian Mission Society and supported by DIGNI.