At the Cairo International Film Festival, we caught up with Sedky Sakhr to talk about his new film “Qafla” (Blackout), written and directed by Ahmed Mustafa El-Zoghby. What was supposed to be a quick chat turned into a fun, candid conversation about judgment, elevators, wet clothes, and the dream of playing a sympathetic psychopath.
Below is our full sit-down, easy, honest, and full of Sedky’s signature calm humor.
The Heart of Qafla: Acceptance vs. Judgment
Sedky explains that “Qafla” dives into how society deals with people who are different than them. And it also delves into how often that reaction is harsh or unfair. The story leans heavily on themes of tolerance, compassion, and the dangerous ease with which people turn into judges and executioners.
Even though the core idea has been explored in different ways before, he believes what sets “Qafla” apart is its execution. The film’s tight, suffocating setting—something the trailer already hints at—creates a fresh perspective.
Working With Gihan Elshamashergy: Chemistry Built Long Before the Elevator
Sedky lights up when talking about working with Gihan Elshamashergy. The two have been friends long before she ever stepped into acting, which made the dynamic on set effortless. They’ve collaborated more than once, and that shared history paid off here. “Most importantly, we supported each other, especially with the tough filming conditions.”
The shoot wasn’t exactly glamorous. “Qafla” takes place inside an elevator, and Sedky describes long hours of cramped space, water splashing everywhere, and having to stay in wet clothes for extended periods. Through it all, he and Gihan kept each other grounded, whether during intense scenes or while just hanging out behind the scenes.
On Screening at CIFF and Qafla’s Festival Journey
Although “Qafla” already screened in major international festivals — including the 37th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival and the Tampere International Film Festival in Finland, an Oscar-qualifying festival — having it here in Egypt is especially meaningful for Sedky.
For him, showing the film in Cairo means hearing from viewers who really get the cultural subtleties and social judgment themes. “It’s an honor to screen it in Cairo,” he says, “because the audience really understands the nuances. You get the real criticism and the real appreciation.”
When the Location Becomes a Character
Sedky jokes that in “Qafla”, the elevator is practically the film’s lead actor. While he isn’t claustrophobic, the environment was definitely tough. It wasn’t the safest setting, and the demanding environment added an extra layer of challenge to the performance, but also helped shape the film’s tense, suffocating atmosphere.
Dream Roles: The Art of the Sympathetic Villain
When the conversation drifted toward dream roles, Sedky didn’t hesitate: “A character that’s a bit psychopathic, but still sympathetic enough that the audience can connect with him.” He mentions the Joker as the kind of character who fascinates him: dark, but human enough to connect with.
Wrapping Up
Our chat with Sedky Sakhr was equal parts thoughtful and fun, much like his presence on screen. “Qafla” promises intensity, emotional depth, and a refreshing take on judgment within society, all rooted in an unforgettable elevator.
With CIFF giving the film a home audience moment, and Sedky eyeing more complex psychological roles in the future, we’re excited to see what comes next.
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