Egyptian filmmaker Mahmoud Assi is set to make his international debut with Khufu, a short film selected for the Pardi di Domani (Leopards of Tomorrow) International Competition at the 79th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland, running from August 5 to 15, 2026.
Set in Nazlet El-Semman, a community located on the outskirts of the Giza Pyramids, Khufu centres on Sayed, a 14-year-old boy navigating the pressures of family, community and economic hardship. His family’s ageing camel is their only source of income, placing Sayed in a difficult position as he struggles to balance his responsibilities with his concern for the animal.
As the family’s financial circumstances worsen, the teenager is forced to confront difficult questions around responsibility, dignity and survival. Against the backdrop of one of the world’s most recognisable landmarks, the film explores the less visible realities of communities whose lives are shaped by persistent economic challenges.
Assi said the film was driven by his desire to tell an authentic human story centred on family and resilience, while highlighting the realities often overlooked in portrayals of communities surrounding the pyramids. He described the film’s selection for Locarno as an important milestone and acknowledged the early support provided by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and its partners.
Khufu was developed after winning the inaugural Eish Short Film Competition, launched in 2024 by the WFP in partnership with Zest and the El Gouna Film Festival. The initiative was established to support emerging filmmakers in Egypt and the wider Arab region in telling stories around food security, resilience and social challenges.
The competition takes its name from the Arabic word “Eish”, which means both “bread” and “life”, reflecting the programme’s emphasis on the links between food, dignity and survival.
The film is produced by Zest and Fig Leaf Studios, in co-production with Kit & Crew, Filmroots and Objectif9. The international production brings together creative and production partners from Egypt, France, Sweden and Canada.
Producers Abdallah Dnewar and Mark Lotfy lead the project, with Mina Nabil, Mahmoud Assi, Bahija Essoussi and Samuel Gagnon serving as co-producers. Rio Media, Dewberries Films and The Flock are associate production companies.
Filming in Nazlet El-Semman presented a number of logistical challenges, particularly during scenes involving the camel at the centre of the story. The production team worked with specialised veterinarians and an experienced animal trainer to ensure the safety and welfare of the animal, as well as the cast and crew.
Khufu stars Hanady Abdel Khalek and Mohamed El Badry, with Karim Marold serving as cinematographer and Samir Radwan handling editing. Ebram Stevens is credited with production design, while Michae…
