The 12th edition of the Alexandria Short Film Festival is set to shine a spotlight on two influential figures in cinema as it prepares to present the Golden Hypatia Award for Creativity to Egyptian actor Essam Omar and Gaza‑based filmmaker Ahmed Danaf.
Scheduled to take place from April 27 to May 2, 2026, the Alexandria Short Film Festival has become one of Egypt’s most dynamic platforms for celebrating short‑form cinema, showcasing diverse voices from around the world while supporting the region’s emerging talent.
Essam Omar has established himself as a prominent young actor in Egyptian film and television. A graduate of Alexandria University’s theatre program, Omar initially gained recognition on stage before transitioning to screen roles. He became widely known for his performance in the series Balto, and has since appeared in notable drama and film projects — including Batal El Alam, Ain Seheria, and Masar Igbari. His film work includes critically acclaimed titles such as Seeko Seeko and The Search for an Exit for Mr Rambo, earning him accolades for his acting craft.
Ahmed Danaf, an accomplished cinematographer and filmmaker from Gaza, has also earned international recognition. His short film School Day won the Youssef Chahine Award at the 2024 Cairo International Film Festival and was screened at multiple global festivals. Danaf further co‑directed Dayel ’Ana ‘Ard with Mai Saad — a powerful story following members of the Free Gaza Circus that has won audience acclaim and awards at regional and international film events.
The Golden Hypatia Award for Creativity is one of the festival’s highest honours, celebrating artistic achievement and innovation in film. Its presentation to both Omar and Danaf underscores the festival’s commitment to recognizing cinematic voices that push boundaries and inspire new generations of storytellers.
Founded in 2015 and held annually in Alexandria, the Short Film Festival offers filmmakers a vital platform to present their work to passionate audiences and industry insiders. Organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and supported by local arts institutions, the event continues to grow as a key celebration of film artistry in Egypt and beyond.
