AUS student films screened alongside top regional talent at Egyptian-American Film Festival in New York

Films by American University of Sharjah (AUS) students and alumni were recently selected for screening at the Egyptian-American Film and Arts Festival (EAFF) in New York City, which took place in late October, under the theme “Cinema for Humanity.”

Now in its fifth edition, EAFF celebrates cinema as a bridge for dialogue and cultural understanding between Egypt, the Arab world and the United States. The 2025 program featured short and feature films, documentaries, art exhibitions and music performances, with several prominent figures in Egyptian cinema in attendance, including Ahmed Badr, Ahmed Abdel Aziz and Hani Ramzy. 

Representing American University of Sharjah (AUS) at the festival were Marim Sharaf, Amal Alshoura and Hana Saleh from the College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD), along with Ayah Al-Muqbel, a media communication alumna from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). 

Photo caption: Film still from Meen Da by Mariam Sharaf.

Sharaf’s short film Meen Da was screened in EAFF’s Short Narrative Film category. Saleh’s Anfaas, which was recently named Best Thriller at the New York Movie Awards, was also among the festival’s Official Selections. Al-Muqbel’s Sarkha (A Scream) and Alshoura’s What Remains were likewise recognized at EAFF, alongside multiple other international festivals. Together, these achievements represent a remarkable string of successes for AUS’ emerging filmmakers.

Photo caption: Still from Hana Saleh’s Anfaas.

“These recent international selections highlight the strength and originality of the films being produced within AUS,” said Mamdouh. “Our students are developing a distinct cinematic voice that reflects their unique cultural perspectives, and it’s fantastic to see their creative work recognized by the industry veterans who sit on these selection panels.”

“It’s inspiring to see our work as students reach audiences around the world,” said Alshoura. “As a fresh graduate, having my film screened in New York and at festivals in Egypt was incredibly validating. It’s rewarding to know that our voices and stories as young filmmakers have the power to resonate far beyond our campus. These experiences have really strengthened my confidence as a filmmaker and encouraged me to keep creating work that represents both my story and also our beautiful region and culture.”

Photo caption: Film still from Sarkha by Ayah Muqbel.

“I was delighted to see my film selected for a fourth international nomination,” said Al-Muqbel. “Sarkha is my promise to keep Palestinian stories alive. It represents the voices of those who lived through loss and remained resilient. I wanted it to remind the world that these aren’t distant tragedies, but real experiences, echoes of the past that continue to mirror the realities we witness even today.”

Photo caption: Film still from What Remains by Amal Alshoura.

The Egyptian-American Film and Arts Festival has quickly become one of the most dynamic cultural events connecting Egyptian and Arab diasporas with global audiences. Its 2025 edition showcased stories of resilience, identity and humanity, values strongly reflected in the work of AUS’ emerging filmmakers.

Film courses at AUS are offered through the College of Architecture, Art and Design’s (CAAD) Bachelor of Science in Film and New Media Design, and the College of Arts and Sciences’ (CAS) Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication.