The Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) announced the winners of its “Next Generation” Awards during the 7th edition of Cairo Industry Days (CID) on Thursday, November 20. Launched last year, the awards aim to spotlight rising Arab talents in directing, acting, film criticism, and visual arts, encouraging fresh voices that reflect the diversity and evolution of Arab cinema.
In partnership with The Film Verdict, the initiative underscores the festival’s commitment to discovering and empowering a new wave of young filmmakers, offering support that helps shape their creative and professional journeys.
This year’s awards honored five standout talents whose work left a strong mark over the past year, including a multidisciplinary Lebanese artist whose diverse background enriches the regional arts scene.
Directing Award (Shared)
Mai Saad – Egypt
An emerging Egyptian filmmaker who began her career as an assistant director on several features and shorts before moving into independent production and directing. She is currently producing a feature-length documentary and serving as creative producer on a narrative feature in development. Her documentary Dayel ‘Anna marks her directorial debut.
Ahmed Al-Danaf – Palestine
A Gazan cinematographer and filmmaker who directed the short narrative film A School Day under the Zero Distance initiative. The film won the Youssef Chahine Award at CIFF 2024 and screened at multiple international festivals. Dayel ‘Anna is also his first documentary as a director.
Acting Award
Nahed El Sebai – Egypt
A celebrated Egyptian actress known for portraying layered, daring characters in acclaimed works such as Tell Me Shahrazad, After the Battle, and 678. Her recent titles include Al-Sada Al-Afadel and Banat Al-Basha. El-Sebai continues to reaffirm her cinematic presence as she prepares to headline Hiroshima, slated for release at the end of 2025.
Film Criticism Award
Ahmed Ezzat Amer – Egypt
An Egyptian film critic who has published analytical essays across prominent platforms including Idhaaat, Al Jazeera Midan, Al Jazeera Documentary, Karroom, and Al Film magazine. He has served on viewing committees for festivals such as the El Gouna Film Festival and the Ismailia International Festival for Documentary & Short Films.
His notable books include Yousry Nasrallah’s Cinema: Stories That Want to Embrace the World and The Cinema of Diko Enidi: So That Magic Doesn’t Die in the World.
Acting / Multidisciplinary Artist Award
Shireen Karama – Lebanon
An actress and multidisciplinary artist who recently returned to cinema as the lead in The Dog’s Lullaby by director Sarah Francis, which premiered at the Rotterdam International Film Festival.
Karama began in theatre under notable directors such as Roger Assaf, Siham Nassar, Jana Al Hassan, and George Hachem, and has performed alongside icons including Antoine Kerbage.
A former dancer trained in classical ballet as well as modern and contemporary dance, she also holds a Master’s degree in Psychology from the University of Roehampton in London. She is an accredited graduate member of the British Psychological Society. Her diverse artistic and academic background enriches her ability to craft psychologically nuanced, deeply felt performances.
Cairo Industry Days continues to strengthen its reputation as a key platform for elevating young talents and supporting their creative growth reaffirming CIFF’s mission to develop the industry and nurture a new generation of filmmakers capable of shaping a more innovative and impactful Arab cinema.
About Cairo Industry Days
Launched as a dedicated platform for developing the film industry in the Arab world and Africa, Cairo Industry Days provides funding opportunities, training programs, and networking channels between filmmakers and international experts. Key components include the Cairo Film Connection, the Professionals Forum, and specialized workshops. Today, it stands as one of the region’s most influential industry events.
About the Cairo International Film Festival
Founded in 1976, CIFF is one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in the Arab world and Africa, and one of the internationally accredited festivals by FIAPF. Held annually under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture, the festival balances artistic and professional excellence, serving as a vital platform for cultural exchange and for amplifying Arab cinema on the global stage.
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