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The Arab cinema landscape is witnessing a remarkable presence of female writers and directors across multiple upcoming productions. This diverse participation includes established names continuing to cement their positions through previous cinematic experiences, others returning to the scene after periods of absence, and new faces taking their first steps into the world of cinema, according to recent industry reports.
The trend spans various genres and production scales, from social comedies to historical dramas and suspenseful thrillers. Among the notable projects, writer Shireen Diab is participating in the screenplay for “Barshama,” a social comedy starring Hisham Maged and Bassem Samra, directed by Khaled Diab. The film addresses the phenomenon of cheating in high school exams through a student who finds himself involved in a series of comedic situations.
Female Writers and Directors Leading Major Productions
Shireen Diab is also collaborating with her brother Mohamed Diab on writing “Asad,” starring Mohamed Ramadan. The historical drama revolves around the story of Ali bin Mohamed Al-Farsi, which spanned 14 years during the Abbasid rule. Additionally, the film “Gawaza Wala Ganaza” relies entirely on female talent for both writing and directing, with Amira Diab directing and co-writing with Dina Maher.
The comedy follows a couple preparing for an ideal wedding ceremony, only to have their plans completely disrupted. This project represents a significant step in showcasing female perspectives in Arab cinema storytelling.
First-Time Writers Enter the Scene
Several debut writers are making their mark in the industry. Saja Mohamed Al-Khalifat is writing “Hin Yaktub Al-Hob” in her first screenwriting experience, directed by Mohamed Hani Abu Al-Einein in his directorial debut. The social drama stars Ahmed El-Fishawy and Moatasem Al-Nahar, focusing on dual stories that emphasize human emotions.
Meanwhile, Shorouq Ashraf wrote the screenplay and dialogue for “Ard Jahannam” in her first attempt. The film stars Haifa Wehbe and Amr Abdel Gelil under the direction of Waleed Mohey. Set in the 1990s, it follows a young man living a middle-class life facing various financial challenges, whose life changes completely when someone appears who exploits modern technology to make money.
Established Directors Return to Cinema
Acclaimed writer and director Haifa Al-Mansour is returning to direct a new work after an absence with the film “Al-Majhoula.” The thriller poses numerous questions and involves gathering information about an unknown character and solving her mystery. Al-Mansour’s return adds significant weight to the growing representation of female directors in Arab cinema.
In contrast, director Kawthar Ben Hania continues her cinematic presence through “Sawt Hind Rajab.” The film tells the story of Red Crescent volunteers receiving a call about a girl trapped in a car under fire. Ben Hania previously directed “Alfas’ Daughters,” “Sheikh’s Watermelon,” “Shalat Tunis,” and “Zaineb Hates Snow.”
Genre Diversity Marks Female-Led Projects
Director Sara Noah is returning to cinema after an absence since directing “A’az Al-Walad” in 2021 with “In Ghab Al-Qet.” Written by Ayman Wattar and starring Asser Yassin and Asma Galal, the thriller revolves around the theft of a famous painting from a museum, leading to an unexpected conflict between gang members and museum staff.
However, the film explores themes beyond the heist itself, examining the motivations and tensions that arise in high-stakes situations. This diverse range of projects demonstrates how female writers and directors are shaping various cinematic genres across the Arab film industry.
The exact release dates for most of these productions have not been confirmed by their respective studios. Industry observers anticipate that several films will premiere during major festival seasons or holiday periods, though official announcements regarding distribution plans remain pending.
