HerStory Films Opens Aswan Documentary Incubator Applications
Backed by the European Union and EUNIC, the incubator aims to help emerging filmmakers develop short documentaries from concept to production.
HerStory Films has opened applications for the first edition of its HerStory Films Incubator Aswan Edition, a new programme supporting short documentary filmmakers from Aswan, Al Nuba and neighbouring governorates.
Funded by the European Union in collaboration with the European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC), the incubator is open to directors of all genders and is designed to help participants develop documentary projects and bring them into production through mentorship, industry resources and networking opportunities.
The initiative builds on previous editions of the HerStory Films Incubator, which have supported the development of 47 film projects and the production of five short films, including 'Alone' by director Mona Daoud, which is currently screening at international film festivals.
Participants in past editions have received guidance from regional filmmakers including Karim El Dalil, Yomna Khattab, Ahmed Badawi, Sheikha Suha Al Khalifa, Tamer El Ashry, Nadine Khan, Ayten Amin and Ahmed Abdalla.
Founded by entrepreneur May Abdel Asim and actress Mona Zaki, HerStory Films is the first production company in the Arab world dedicated exclusively to supporting female filmmakers. Through the Aswan edition, the organisation aims to amplify emerging voices in Arab cinema while helping participants produce original short documentaries.
The programme follows two previous Egypt-based incubator editions, supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Cairo, and an edition launched in partnership with the Bahrain Film Festival. The latest edition forms part of the European Egyptian Cultural Program, which supports Egypt's arts and culture sector through grants, festivals, artist residencies and other initiatives.
