Egyptian short film “I Promise You Paradise” (2023), directed by Mourad Mostafa, was selected to compete in the lists of the 46th edition of the Clermont-Ferrand Festival in France, one of the most important and oldest short film festivals in the world.
The film is Mostafa’s fourth to participate in Clermont-Ferrand Festival after “Henet Ward” (Ward’s Henna Party), 2020, What We Don’t Know About Mariam (2021) and Khadiga (2022) – a record number in the history of the famed festival.
The film follows the story of Eissa, a 17-year-old African immigrant in Egypt who, after a violent accident, races against time to save his loved ones at whatever cost.
It stars Kenyi Marcellno and Kenzy Mohamed.
Directed by Mourad Mostafa, the film features director of photography Mostafa al-Kashef, with editing by Mohamed Mamdouh and a screenplay by Mourad Mostafa and Sawsan Youssef.
The film was screened at the 76th Cannes Film Festival and won the “Rail d’Or Award,” which is awarded to the best short film in the Semaine de la critique, where a jury consisting of one hundred members and film critics voted on this award.
“I Promise You Paradise” had a full screening as part of the competition in the Critics’ Week, receiving praise from critics and the audience alike.
It also received 30 awards across 90 international festivals so far.
The film makers recently announced that it has officially been shortlisted for the French César Award, equivalent to the Oscars.
