Screening Theme:
“Tracing the Cinema of Maher Awad”

As part of the Jesuit Cinema Club’s July program, we are honored to take you on a journey into the world of one of Egyptian cinema’s most innovative and unconventional screenwriters. Maher Awad is not just a writer but a visionary filmmaker, belonging to an era in Egyptian cinema where the screenwriter played a pivotal role in shaping a film’s artistic vision—almost akin to what we now call a “creative curator.”

Maher Awad’s distinctive style is unmistakable in any of his films: a unique blend of sharp social satire, a touch of fantasy that doesn’t mimic other genres, and characters who exist on the margins of reality yet take center stage in his stories. He finds inspiration in their ordinary lives and small dreams, while seamlessly integrating musical sequences as a dramatic device rather than mere entertainment. His cinematic world rejects imitation of mainstream trends, market expectations, or elitist detachment—instead striking a rare balance between artistic depth and broad audience appeal.

Though he wrote only seven films—with many unrealized projects—his work left an indelible mark on modern Egyptian cinema. His career began with The Dwarfs Are Coming (dir. Sherif Arafa, 1986), followed by Third Class (dir. Sherif Arafa, 1988). In 1991, he penned two consecutive films: Ya Mahalabeya Ya (dir. Sherif Arafa) and Sama’ Hiss (dir. Sherif Arafa). These were followed by Love in the Fridge (dir. Said Hamed, 1993), A Bold Sprinkle (dir. Said Hamed, 2001), and finally Sahib Sahbo (dir. Said Hamed, 2002).

Featured Film: A Bold Sprinkle (2001)

Selimawy and Mima, two aspiring actors, dream of breaking into the industry but face absurd obstacles that lead them far off the beaten path. A series of comedic mishaps culminates in their false accusation for a theater director’s murder, sending them on a fugitive journey to prove their innocence. Events spiral until the truth unravels and order is restored.

Genre: Comedy-Drama-Musical
Country: Egypt
Language: Arabic
Release Year: 2001
Runtime: 144 minutes

Post-Screening Discussion

The film will be followed by an open discussion with the audience, exploring both A Bold Sprinkle and Maher Awad’s cinematic legacy. The conversation will be facilitated by Hassan Salama.

Hassan Salama is a screenwriting student at the High Institute of Cinema, with published articles in magazines and online platforms. He runs a film-focused blog and is deeply engaged in cinema history and its intersections with other arts.

Admission is free and open to the public—no registration required.

AI generated translation.