Egyptian short drama Abu Judy, directed by Adel Ahmed Yehia, has secured the Best Director Award at the ninth Zawya Short Film Festival in Cairo, following its world premiere at the Cairo International Film Festival. The accolade, which includes a cash prize of EGP 25,000, recognises the film’s storytelling and cinematic execution.
Competing against 26 other short films, Abu Judy was judged by an esteemed panel comprising film critic Essam Zakaria, screenwriter Heba Yousry and director Bassam Mortada.
The film narrates the heartfelt story of a 10-year-old girl who frequently accompanies her father to work. Their bond is tested when an unforeseen incident unfolds, challenging their relationship and exploring themes of childhood, innocence and premature adulthood.
Director Adel Ahmed Yehia described Abu Judy as exploring the complexities within the father-daughter relationship, highlighting the weight of circumstances and childhood resilience. He reflected on the tension between protection and survival, innocence and awareness, questioning whether the young girl retains her innocence or is forced to mature too soon due to her father’s burdens.
Rather than providing definitive answers, Yehia aims to provoke thought about the unseen emotional and moral struggles within relationships, particularly in marginalised communities. He noted that some children remain just that, while others are compelled to grow up too soon.
The film features Emad Ghoneim, Janna Farouk and Nesma Bahy, with cinematography by Disha Hesham and editing by Mohamed Mamdouh.
Produced by Baho Bakhsh and Safi Eldin Mahmoud of Red Star Films, alongside Moataz Abdel Wahab of Hawadeet Films, Abu Judy is supported by MAD World, which handles global sales, and MAD Distribution, which oversees its release across the Arab world.
