The World Food Programme in Egypt, in collaboration with the El Gouna Film Festival and "Zist", has announced the opening of submissions for the third edition of the annual "Aish" competition. The initiative invites filmmakers from Egypt and the Arab world to submit ideas for short films that tackle the issue of food security. The deadline for submissions is September 30, 2026. The competition aims to shed light on the importance of food security through storytelling.
The "Aish" initiative, which translates to "bread" and "life" in Arabic, reflects the programme's goal of encouraging emerging filmmakers to explore the human dimensions of food security through cinema. Rod El-Halby, Representative and Director of the World Food Programme in Egypt, expressed pride in the partnership with the El Gouna Film Festival and "Zist", which has grown over the years and expanded its impact. The initiative has reached its third edition, allowing it to reach new audiences and contribute to the dialogue on food security.
El-Halby emphasized that storytelling and filmmaking are not limited to raising awareness about food security, but also involve building relationships with key networks and individuals who can advocate for and enhance efforts to achieve food security. The film "Khofu", which won the first edition of the "Aish" competition, was screened at the 79th Locarno Film Festival and won the "Silver Leopard" award. This international recognition demonstrates the potential of locally rooted stories to reach and impact global audiences.
Amr Mansy, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the El Gouna Film Festival, highlighted the collaboration with the World Food Programme, which is based on a shared belief in the power of storytelling to drive change. Mansy expressed pride in the international recognition of "Khofu", which confirms the ability of local stories to reach and impact global audiences. The film's success demonstrates the potential of the "Aish" initiative to support emerging filmmakers and promote dialogue on food security.
A jury consisting of prominent filmmakers, producers, and industry experts will review submissions and select the winning idea based on criteria such as creativity, storytelling potential, and the ability to shed light on food security issues. The winning filmmaker will receive a grant to support the production of their film, enabling them to reach audiences in the region and worldwide. The winner will be announced during the El Gouna Film Festival.
Mohamed Hani, CEO and Co-Founder of "Zist", highlighted the significance of the "Aish" initiative, which has provided a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their talents and address pressing social issues. Hani cited the success of "Khofu" as evidence of the initiative's impact, which has inspired filmmakers to believe in the power of their stories to drive change. The partnership between the World Food Programme, the El Gouna Film Festival, and "Zist" has created a unique opportunity for filmmakers to engage with the issue of food security.
The "Aish" initiative has become a prominent platform for emerging filmmakers to address food security issues through storytelling. The competition has grown over the years, with the third edition offering a grant to support the production of the winning film. The El Gouna Film Festival will announce the winner and provide a platform for the film to reach a wider audience. The initiative demonstrates the power of collaboration between organizations to promote social change through storytelling.
Key points
- The "Aish" initiative has launched its third edition, inviting filmmakers from Egypt and the Arab world to submit ideas for short films that address food security issues.
