The Last Dismissal’ Wins Cairo Int’l Film Fest’s Special Jury Award

Directed by Jowaher Alamri, the Saudi short drama The Last Dismissal has earned the Special Jury Award at the Cairo International Film Festival.

Alamri's third short film delves into themes of autonomy and conformity. Her previous works include Mujalasat Elkun, which premiered as part of the omnibus feature Becoming at the festival in 2021, and Sadeya Left Sultan, which won acclaim for its nuanced storytelling. She also produced the award-winning Saudi short The Girls Who Burned the Night.

The Last Dismissal tells the story of Aljadel, a teenage girl grappling with the loss of her best friend. Played by Rajaae, Aljadel confronts her grief during a school activity on "shrouding of the dead." Witnessing a friend being shrouded sparks a moment of rebellion, as she takes a stand in a defiant act of autonomy.

The film features an all-Saudi cast, including Ghada Aboud, Rajaae, Aisha Al Refaey, and Saada Alzahrany.