Egyptian cinema gained international fame by selecting the short film “Khufu“, for the prestigious Pardi di Domani International Competition at the 79th Locarno Film Festival. The festival takes place from August 5 to 15, 2026 in Switzerland, where the film will have its world premiere.
Founded in 1946, it is internationally recognized Locarno Film Festival Supports talent development around the world. “Khufu” competes with other international short and medium-length films by emerging directors for the Oscar Bardi di Domani International award.
Directed by the Egyptian Mahmoud Assi and produced by Media Company Enthusiasm and Fig Live Studios“Khufu” was winner The first edition of the Live Short Film Competition will take place in Egypt in October 2024. The competition was created, with the support of the United Nations World Food Programme, Zest, and the El Gouna Film Festival, to draw attention to the importance of food security, while supporting Egyptian and regional talent.
Set in Nazlet El-Semman at the foot of the Giza Pyramids, “Khufu” tells the story of Sayed, a 14-year-old boy whose family faces increasing economic hardship. As Syed approaches the family’s ailing camel on whom their income depends, the film explores the difficult decisions imposed on communities living under the weight of economic adversity.
in interview In an interview with the World Food Program on July 8, director Assi highlighted the importance of the film’s location, which lies in the shadow of one of the world’s most famous landmarks, where local communities still face profound economic vulnerability. He added: “Khufu was born from the desire to tell a deeply human story about dignity, family and survival.”
Through close collaboration between filmmakers and the humanitarian sector, Khufu embodies the intersection between cinematic storytelling and social impact, raising international awareness about food security.
Rawad Al-Halabi, Country Director of the World Food Program in Egypt, noted the importance of the film being selected in Locarno, describing it as a “wonderful achievement” within the framework of the Locarno Conference. interview With the World Food Programme. Al-Halabi also noted the film’s importance as “a testament to the power of storytelling in bringing important social issues to global audiences.”
As the first winner of the “Live” competition, the international success of “Khufu” offers promising signs of future acceptance, boosting Egyptian and regional filmmaking talent.
