The male-dominated narrative of cinema finally took a step back with the launch of Heya W El Camera, a groundbreaking anthology from Egypt’s Women and Memory Forum (WMF). This collection of short films shines a spotlight on 18 trailblazing women—directors, editors, screenwriters, and producers—who’ve spent decades shaping Egyptian cinema, often in the shadows of an industry run by men. With this project, these creative powerhouses reclaim their stories, offering an intimate look at their journeys, challenges, and triumphs.
The series features luminaries like Tahani Rached, Mariam Naoum, Hala Khalil, Ayten Amin, and Amal Ramsis, peeling back the curtain on their lives behind the camera. From navigating patriarchal barriers to capturing the chaos of revolutions, these filmmakers share raw, unfiltered perspectives that shake up the industry’s status quo.
Founded in 1995, WMF has been rewriting the cultural narrative for Arab women for nearly three decades. A collective of academics, researchers, and activists, the organization dismantles stereotypes and amplifies women’s contributions to history and culture. Through projects like Heya W El Camera, WMF shifts the narrative—ensuring that women’s stories are told authentically and on their own terms.
Director Ayten Amin recalls falling in love with cinema at Alexandria’s Cinema Amir. “Life felt meaningless before film. Studying cinema gave me purpose; it made me feel like I had stories worth telling,” she shares, reflecting on her mentorship under legendary filmmaker Mohamed Khan. Meanwhile, Amal Ramsis recounts filming in Lebanon’s Ain Al Hilweh refugee camp and during the historic 2011 protests in Tahrir Square. Taghreed El Asfoury delves into her fascination with performance art and the mechanics of filmmaking, while Hala Khalil takes viewers behind the scenes of her acclaimed film Ahla El Awkat. Mariam Naoum shares her decision to leave Paris behind to dedicate herself to Egyptian cinema.
The anthology premiered at Zawya Cinema, Cairo’s indie film hotspot, with plans for screenings across the country. “This isn’t just about celebrating women’s contributions to cinema—it’s about redefining the legacy of an entire industry,” says project manager Sara Maged in an interview with Cairo Scene.
