Sandra Nashat: The “At School” project addresses children and monitors their problems
The Cairo International Film Festival is screening 9 short films from the “At School” project, directed by Sandra Nashat. The festival runs until November 22nd. The selected films include “Where’s Messi,” “Umme Ali,” “All These Choices,” “Classroom Pictures,” “Museum,” “Friday,” “Abjad House,” “Al-Wad Labuh,” “Prince Slim,” and “Madam Didi.”
Sandra Nashat shared insights about her project during a symposium after the film screening. She worked on “At School” for about a year and a half, creating 50 films in total but chose to present only 9 at the festival. She described this project as a graduation piece, blending her thoughts and feelings about education.
The films feature children, teachers, and parents. They were shot in private schools and are shown through the Ministry of Culture. Nashat aims to highlight student issues, ensuring that their voices are heard and understood. She believes in creating art that carries a message while also entertaining the audience.
How does Sandra Nashat aim to impact students’ emotional well-being through her films?
Title: Exploring Education Through Cinema: An Interview with Sandra Nashat at the Cairo International Film Festival
Introduction: The Cairo International Film Festival is currently showcasing nine poignant short films from Sandra Nashat’s innovative “At School” project. We sat down with Nashat to delve deeper into her creative journey and the thoughtful messages behind her films, which will run until November 22nd.
Interview
News Directory 3: Sandra, can you tell us about your project “At School”? What inspired you to create these films?
Sandra Nashat: “At School” is a reflection of my thoughts and feelings about education. Over the past year and a half, I created a total of 50 short films, out of which I selected nine to screen at the festival. My goal was to capture the experiences of children, teachers, and parents within the educational system. This project also serves as my graduation piece, blending art and a critical look at education.
News Directory 3: Why did you choose to focus on private schools for your films?
Sandra Nashat: I wanted to highlight the different facets of education and the unique challenges faced by students in private schools. By focusing on this environment, I aimed to ensure that the voices of students are represented and understood, as they are often overlooked in discussions about education.
News Directory 3: The films include titles like “Where’s Messi” and “Madam Didi.” Can you share what themes or issues you are addressing through these stories?
Sandra Nashat: Each film represents specific issues that students grapple with—be it their aspirations, family dynamics, or academic pressures. “Where’s Messi” might delve into children’s dreams and idolization, while “Madam Didi” could explore the role of supportive figures in their lives. Ultimately, I strive to make sure these films not only entertain but also carry meaningful messages that resonate with the audience.
News Directory 3: Actor Ahmed Eze attended your symposium and praised your work. What does it mean to you to receive such recognition from established artists?
Sandra Nashat: It’s incredibly affirming. Ahmed’s support not only boosts my confidence but also reminds me of the collaborative nature of our art. Working with him on a previous short film was a significant experience that contributed greatly to my artistic growth. His encouragement inspires me to continue creating projects that address important social issues.
News Directory 3: In what way do you hope your films will impact the students and their emotional well-being?
Sandra Nashat: I believe cinema can be a powerful tool for change. By giving students a platform to tell their stories, I hope to foster a sense of understanding and empathy around their experiences. Addressing their emotional well-being is crucial, and I aim to create an environment where their concerns are acknowledged and validated.
Conclusion: Sandra Nashat’s “At School” project exemplifies the commitment to elevating student voices and concerns through poignant storytelling. As the Cairo International Film Festival continues, her work promises to leave a lasting impact on audiences, reminding us of the crucial role education plays in shaping lives.
Actor Ahmed Eze, who attended the symposium, remarked that short films present unique challenges. He praised Sandra’s ability to create impactful films and expressed his support for her work. Eze shared that collaborating with Nashat on a previous short film was a vital experience for his artistic growth. He urged her to continue making new projects, emphasizing her importance in the artistic community.
Nashat’s project represents a commitment to addressing the concerns of students and promoting their emotional well-being through cinema.