Nouran Hamam A Personal Note: Standing at the Starting Line
For a long time, I didn’t just see cinema as a dream; I saw it as a challenge. As I take my first steps into this industry, I am realizing that the director’s chair in our culture often comes with an unspoken “men only” sign. The justification is always the same: the environment is too tough, the hours are too grueling, and the technical demands are too masculine for a woman to manage.
Because I am just at the beginning, I feel like I have to put in double the effort just to be taken seriously. There is a specific, quiet disappointment that comes with sharing my passion for directing only to be met with skeptical glances or advice to stay in a more “comfortable” lane. It is a constant questioning of whether a woman can hold the authority required to lead a production.
But when I set out to direct and produce my first short film recently, I realized I wasn’t alone. The influence of women like Kamla Abu Zekri and Sandra Nashat acted as my silent guides. To me, they are the proof that the “toughness” of a set is a myth used to gatekeep creativity. I looked to the technical courage Sandra Nashat displayed and the narrative fearlessness Mariam Naoum brought to her scripts as my roadmap. Stepping into the dual role of director and producer, even at this early stage, is my way of honoring the “Total Filmmaker” spirit that Aziza Amir pioneered a century ago.
The Visionaries Defining the Frame
In Egypt, cinema has always been a space where women don’t just participate, they lead. From the foundational pioneers of the silent era to the current digital shift, the “female gaze” has defined our visual and narrative identity. These are the directors and writers setting the standard today.
The Directors: Vision and Execution
Kamla Abu Zekri (Segn El Nesa): The master of atmospheric realism. Her work on Segn El Nesa(Women’s Prison) redefined Egyptian drama, capturing the raw, gritty layers of society with an honesty that is rarely matched.
Sandra Nashaat (Mallaki Iskandariya): A trailblazer in commercial cinema. With Mallaki Iskandariya, she proved that female directors could own the thriller and action genres, bringing a technical sharpness and “cool” factor to the box office.
Mariam Abou Ouf (Leh La’a): Known for her sleek, modern visual language. Through the Leh La’a (Why Not?) series, she has mastered the art of contemporary storytelling, making local narratives feel globally sophisticated.
The Writers: The Power of the Word
Mariam Naoum (Taht Al Saytara): The definitive voice of social drama. Her work on Taht Al Saytara(Under Control) was a cultural turning point, using fearless, character-driven writing to tackle complex social taboos.
Rana Abu El Rish (Kamel El Adad): A master of the “modern classic.” With Kamel El Adad, she perfected the relatable family dynamic, blending humor with genuine heart to create a series that resonated across generations.
Sherine Diab (Ashghal Shaqa): Known for her sharp comedic tone and iconic collaborations with her brother, Khaled Diab. Her work on Ashghal Shaqa is a masterclass in Egyptian relatability,it’s hilarious because it feels so true to our everyday domestic lives.
While the rest of the world is just starting to talk about female directors, Egypt has a long history of them. Our icons didn’t just make “small” art films; they built the industry and mastered everything from gritty dramas to big-budget action.
My journey is just beginning, but my goal is to reclaim that authority. I want to prove that the technical skill and the toughness needed for this job don’t belong to men alone; they belong to anyone with a story to tell. We don’t need permission to be filmmakers. We just need to keep the camera rolling until the world stops questioning why we are the ones behind it.
