A Heartfelt Tribute: Young Filmmaker Jamila Celebrates Her Father's Legacy at CIFF 2025
In a moving turn of events, 14-year-old Jamila Abd El-Aziz is set to make history as the youngest director to present a film at the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) this November. This artistic debut comes just a day after the passing of her father, the beloved Egyptian filmmaker Sameh Abd El-Aziz. Jamila expressed her feelings of profound loss through her art, creating a short film titled Waga‘ El-Foraq (The Pain of Separation) that has captivated the festival community.
The story begins with a touching gesture from Jamila, who sent a script of four silent scenes to her uncle, renowned director Wael Farag. “This is how I feel in this moment,” she shared with him, reflecting her raw emotions in the wake of her father’s passing. Her uncle was deeply moved by the depth of her feelings and her remarkable ability to refine her work based on his early observations.
Just four months later, Jamila’s vision will come to life on November 18, 2025, at the open-air theater during CIFF. The film, featuring veteran actor Khaled El Sawy, symbolizes more than just a personal project; it serves as a tribute to Sameh Abd El-Aziz, who left an indelible mark on Egyptian cinema with iconic films like Ramadan Mabrouk Abou El Alamin Hammouda and Harb Ahlia. Free to the public, the screening will be followed by a discussion, allowing audiences to engage with the young director whose talent shines bright amidst the shadows of loss.
Reflecting on her debut journey, Jamila remarked, “This is the first film I made, and it will remain one of the most important films in my life because it’s connected to the most important person in my life—my father.” The film serves as a vessel for her grief and a way to pay homage to her father’s passion for storytelling. “There were many suppressed feelings inside me, and I used them to express myself through something he loved,” she explained.
As Jamila embarks on this cinematic path, she’s not only honoring her father’s legacy but also paving the way for a new generation of filmmakers in Egypt. Her story is a beautiful reminder of how art can provide solace and a voice in times of hardship.
In Short: Don’t miss the chance to witness Jamila as she shares her heartfelt narrative at CIFF. This festival is not just a showcase of films; it stands as a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the rich tapestry of Egyptian culture.
Stay tuned for more stories that inspire, and remember to support emerging talents in the realm of cinema!
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