By Sama Marwan,
Following its acclaimed world premiere at the Cairo International Film Festival, the Egyptian short drama ABU JUDY, directed by Adel Ahmed Yehia, has secured the Best Director Award at the ninth edition of the Zawya Short Film Festival in Cairo. The award comes with a cash prize of EGP 25,000, recognizing the film’s emotional depth and exceptional storytelling.
Competing against 26 other short films, ABU JUDY was evaluated by a distinguished jury panel comprising film critic Essam Zakaria, screenwriter Heba Yousry, and director Bassam Mortada.
The film follows the journey of a 10-year-old girl who regularly accompanies her father to work. However, their bond is put to the test when an unforeseen event challenges their relationship. Through this narrative, ABU JUDY delves into the intricacies of the father-daughter dynamic, exploring themes of childhood, innocence, and the premature burdens of adulthood.
Director Adel Ahmed Yehia describes ABU JUDY as an exploration of the delicate balance between a child’s innocence and the weight of circumstances imposed upon them. He raises thought-provoking questions about whether the young protagonist manages to retain her childhood or is forced to mature too soon in an effort to support her father. The film captures the tension between protection and survival, awareness and naivety.
Rather than offering definitive answers, Yehia emphasizes that ABU JUDY seeks to shed light on the emotional and moral complexities within relationships, particularly those on society’s fringes. He reflects on how some children manage to hold onto their innocence, while others are compelled to grow up prematurely.
Written and directed by Yehia, the film features an impressive cast, including Emad Ghoneim, Janna Farouk, and Nesma Bahy. The cinematography is handled by Disha Hesham, with Mohamed Mamdouh serving as the editor.
Notably, both Emad Ghoneim and Mohamed Mamdouh were previously involved in AISHA CAN’T FLY AWAY, the first Egyptian film to win the Jury Prize for Best Film in Post-Production at the Venice Film Festival’s Final Cut in Venice.
