Egypt’s ‘Blackout’ Selected for Palm Springs International ShortFest

Egyptian short film ‘Blackout’ has been officially selected to compete at the 37th edition of the Palm Springs International ShortFest, one of the world's most prestigious short film festivals. The film will screen in the ‘Welcome to the Neighbourhood’ section, alongside over 300 shorts from more than 100 countries.

Directed and written by Ahmed Moustafa ElZogbhy and produced by Hind Metwalli, Blackout follows a family during the early hours of Eid, as a health emergency spirals into psychological tension inside a Cairo apartment building. With the male family members gone in search of a doctor, the women and children are left behind, until a mysterious tenant and her companion arrive, triggering a confrontation with their own fears and expectations.

The film stars Gihan El Shamashergy, Sedky Sakhr, Yara Goubran, and Malek Emad. Co-producers include Mohamed Hefzy, Safei ElDin Mahmoud, and Aly El Araby, among others.

Blackout previously competed at Finland’s Tampere Film Festival, receiving critical acclaim. The Palm Springs ShortFest, held annually in California, is an Oscar, BAFTA, and Goya-qualifying event, spotlighting standout global shorts.