From Cairo to Glendale: Egyptian Films Owning the Hollywood Arab Film Festival
From April 9th to 13th, Look Cinema in Glendale is turning into a cinematic portal for Arab creativity—and Egypt’s in the spotlight with seven films that are all vibes, depth, and drama. From short films to opening and closing night features, here’s your go-to guide to every Egyptian film hitting the Hollywood Arab Film Festival‘s screen.
The Tale of DAYE’s Family – Narrative Feature Films
April 9
Directed by Karim El-Shenawy
Meet Daye—a 14-year-old Nubian albino teen with a voice like gold and a life that’s anything but easy. Bullied, abandoned by his dad, but full of fire, Daye’s chasing stardom like his idol Mohamed Mounir. This one hits deep on identity, dreams, and rising above. Before getting featured at the Hollywood Arab Film Festival, the movie was also screened at the Red Sea Film Festival and has won four awards at the Carthage Film Festival.
I Can Smell A Rat – Student Films Program
April 11
Directed by Antonious Bassily
Maribel is 10. She’s got two days to become Hamlet on stage, and fear has never felt so real. Cue one long, spooky night that blurs the lines between her anxieties and imagination.
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Out of the City – Student Films Program
April 11
Directed by Ahmed Essam
An Alexandria-based film student is caught between loyalty to his hometown and chasing his Cairo cinema dreams. He and a friend spiral into an existential heart-to-heart about making it, meaning, and where “home” really is. If you’ve ever questioned your path, this one’s for you.
Mango – Student Films Program
April 11
Directed by Randa Ali
Nadia’s estranged dad dies, and she’s stuck clearing out his place in Helwan—aka the opposite of cozy. As Cairo changes fast around her, grief and memory twist into a quiet storm, all orbiting one fragile mango tree. A raw take on loss and disconnection.
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A Promise to the Sea – Short Films Program
April 11
Directed by Hend Sohail
Zain’s mom passes, and he’s not letting go—literally. He steals her body and hits the road, trying to honor a promise that no one else understands. A heavy but strangely beautiful movie from the Hollywood Arab Film Festival lineup.
CATSAROS – Short Films Program
April 11
Directed by Muhammad Hadidi
Mofeed’s feeling out of place in this century until he finds an old phone that links him to a woman from the 1940s. Time-travel? Maybe. Love? Possibly. Confusion? Definitely. A hauntingly sweet dive into belonging and connection.
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Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo – Narrative Feature Films
April 13
Directed by Khaled Mansour
When Hassan’s landlord threatens to kick him out, his dog Rambo steps in—literally—with teeth. That bite kicks off a wild journey to protect Rambo from revenge and violence. It’s a love letter to man’s best friend wrapped in grit and heart.
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Final Thoughts
From grief and nostalgia to dog fights and time warps, Egypt’s lineup at the Hollywood Arab Film Festival is stacked with feeling and fearless storytelling. Whether you’re into deep dives or just vibing with good cinema, don’t sleep on these.
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