The International Animated Film Festival (Animator) in Poznań, Poland, recently launched a program called Kemet’s Daughters. This non-competitive program showcased the works of contemporary Egyptian female animators, providing a platform for their unique voices and artistic styles. The program featured 11 animated films directed by Egyptian women, ranging from 2 to 13 minutes in length.
Curating Diverse Voices
Mona Sheded, an Egyptian film critic and the curator of Kemet’s Daughters, participated in a Q&A session. She discussed the challenges faced by female animators in Egypt, where funding can be scarce, and highlighted their remarkable achievements on both national and international stages.
A Selection of Exceptional Works
The program included a captivating selection of films, such as “Zomrada’s Secret” by Sara Mostafa, “Noura and Zahra” by Menna Hamdi, and “There Once Was a Boy” by Salma Enani. Each film explored a distinct theme using a variety of animation techniques, reflecting the dynamism of Egypt’s animation landscape.
Award-Winning Animation
Several films from the program have garnered international recognition. Sara Shahin’s “Into the Light” (2021) won the Best Student Animation award at Animae Caribe Animation & Digital Media Festival, while Aya Marzouk’s “How Did South African Apartheid Happen and How Did It Finally End?” (2023) received a Jury Award for a Commissioned Film at the prestigious Annecy International Animated Film Festival.
A Landmark Event for Polish Animation
Kemet’s Daughters marked a significant moment for the Animator festival, being the first time it dedicated a program entirely to Egyptian animation. This initiative strengthens cultural exchange and fosters appreciation for the artistic talents of Egyptian women animators
