Sandra Nasht’s contribution to the 45th Cairo Film Festival, especially in “School”
Sandra Nashat is a director participating in the Cairo Film Festival. She showcases 10 short films from her “At School” project during the event’s 45th session.
The “At School” project includes a series of interactive short films aimed at children, families, and teachers. The films are titled: “Where’s Messi,” “Umm Ali,” “Class Picture,” “Friday,” “All These Likes,” “Abjad House,” “The Museum,” “Al-Wad Labuh,” “The Prince Slim,” and “Madam Didi.”
A special screening of “At School” took place, attended by many children and their families. After the film, Sandra Nashat engaged in a discussion with Professor Marwat Abu Auf from the American University.
Nashat shared that creating a film for families and children was a dream of hers. She worked on the “At School” series for a year and a half, resulting in 48 short films that present various ideas and viewpoints.
What is the “At School” project featured at the Cairo Film Festival about?
Interview with Sandra Nashat: Spotlight on “At School” Project at Cairo Film Festival
Interviewer: Sandra, it’s an honor to speak with you today at the Cairo Film Festival, where you’re showcasing the “At School” project. Can you tell us about your journey to creating these films?
Sandra Nashat: Thank you! Creating films for families and children has been a long-standing dream of mine. The process for the “At School” series took about a year and a half, during which I produced a total of 48 short films. Each film is designed to present unique ideas and perspectives relevant to school life.
Interviewer: That’s impressive! What themes do these films explore, and how do they engage with your audience?
Sandra Nashat: The films are interactive and encourage viewers—children, families, and teachers—to choose between two narrative pathways, which affects how the story unfolds. This interactive format fosters engagement and makes the themes more relatable. The titles like “Where’s Messi,” “Umm Ali,” and “Madam Didi” all touch on various scenarios children might face, providing not just entertainment but also guidance.
Interviewer: You mentioned the significance of this showcase at the Cairo Film Festival. How does it feel to present your work at such a prestigious event?
Sandra Nashat: I feel incredibly proud and excited to present my films here. It’s a remarkable opportunity to reach out to a broader audience. I must admit I also felt a wave of anxiety, reminiscent of my very first screening with “The Last Winter,” my graduation project. Each film represents a heartfelt effort, and sharing them with everyone is both thrilling and nerve-wracking.
Interviewer: During the special screening of “At School,” many children and families attended. What was the atmosphere like?
Sandra Nashat: It was wonderful! The children were engaged and enthusiastic, which filled the space with energy. It’s heartening to see families come together to enjoy cinema aimed specifically at younger audiences. After the screening, I had a productive discussion with Professor Marwat Abu Auf from the American University, who offered valuable insights into children’s media.
Interviewer: The films are set to be available on the “5 Seconds” app in the future. Can you tell us more about this initiative?
Sandra Nashat: Yes! We’re excited to make the films accessible through the “5 Seconds” app. This platform will provide a safe viewing environment, as all content has been vetted by the Ministry of Education. The films not only entertain but also aim to offer constructive guidance for various situations children might encounter, which is essential in today’s world.
Interviewer: Lastly, how did you find working with young actors in these films?
Sandra Nashat: Working with school students was an incredible experience. Their enthusiasm and talent shone through, even though many were unprepared for filming. They brought authenticity to their roles, which is invaluable in storytelling. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together.
Interviewer: Thank you, Sandra, for sharing your insights. We wish you the best with the “At School” project and at the festival!
Sandra Nashat: Thank you! I appreciate the support.
Nashat expressed pride in showcasing her films at the prestigious Cairo Film Festival. She also felt excitement and anxiety, recalling her first screening of “The Last Winter,” her graduation project.
The “At School” series allows viewers to choose between two pathways in the story, influencing the film’s outcome. In the future, these films will be available on the “5 Seconds” app. The content is safe and approved by the Ministry of Education, offering guidance in various situations. The films feature school students, who acted professionally despite being unprepared during filming.