Friendships, romantic relationships, family bonds: with their reduced form, short films often shine a spotlight on the connections that fundamentally shape people’s lives. In the programme Who You Are to Me, we witness a culture that may be unknown to many of us – and yet we recognize ourselves in its relationships, its people, and the brief glimpses into their daily lives.
About Separation
Kawthar Younis / Egypt 2020 / 10' / DCP / colour / Hungarian/Arabic/English / Fic
Yasmina, a young Egyptian woman, is suddenly called by her Hungarian friend Yoko to assist her with her secret departure from Cairo in the aftermath of an Italian student’s mysterious death. Trying to cope with the tense situation, they spend their last few hours together in denial and anger at their unpleasant reality.
Fifteen
Sameh Alaa / Egypt 2017 / 10'46" / DCP / colour / Arabic / Fic
On a hot summer day, a taciturn teen boy makes his way through the hustle of Cairo — with a baby in tow. His arrival at a hospital reveals the turmoil beneath his muted expression in this stark and compassionate examination of trauma.
Salonat
Noha Mokhtar / Egypt/Switzerland 2023 / 11'30" / DCP / colour / Arabic / Exp
Maha and Mohamed talk about their arranged marriage (called «salon marriage» in Egypt), about furnishing the apartment they are renovating in a gated community called Future City, and about the mathematics of love. Their voices are heard to a sequence of photographs depicting their future apartment.
Mango
Randa Ali / Egypt 2024 / 22'40" / colour / Arabic / Fic
During a hot August in Cairo, Nadia struggles to mourn her estranged father and his mango tree.
Objects Are Closer than They Appear
Ahmed Sobhy / Egypt 2023 / 17' / colour / Arabic / Fic
After his date failed due to a credit card malfunction, Naeem goes to his sister's house to borrow some money, only to discover that his sister has been robbed. This sends Naeem on an emotional rollercoaster, forcing him to face his feelings of shame.