Youssef Chahine Foundation, with the support of the DROSOS FOUNDATION, is launching a program that aims to empower and support the creative journey, economic independence, and employability of 200 filmmakers and social media enthusiasts. By providing comprehensive training programs and professional networking opportunities, the project seeks to equip participants with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to succeed in the fields of filmmaking and digital content creation in Egypt. The program will take place at the only residency-based film facility of its kind in Egypt, located in Dahshur. All application, training, and residency costs in Dahshur are fully covered for all participants.

The Dahshur Workshops is accepting applications from emerging filmmakers, cinema enthusiasts and media engaged Egyptians and Arabs based in Egypt, who are eager to develop their skills and ideas in filmmaking and digital media. The first edition (2025/2026) will explore the work of Egyptian filmmaker Youssef Chahine (1926 – 2008) as its central theme on the year of the centenary of his birth. The workshops emphasize hands-on training, mentorship and peer-to-peer exchange. For each module participants will experience  a two-part residential workshop in Dahshur for each module. The modules cover a range of creative practices. And applicants will be asked to select their preferred modules in the application process. 

• Short Fiction Films: A practical hands-on immersive experience in the world of short fiction storytelling, focusing on the creative process and the different techniques of shaping compelling narratives. Through collaboration, exercises, and a glimpse into the practical side of making short narrative films, participants will develop and produce a project tied to the program’s central theme for this edition.

• Short Documentaries: A workshop that exposes participants to the art and business of documentary filmmaking, exploring history, forms, styles and ethics. Through collaboration, critical engagement and hands-on practice in research, filming, editing, and distribution, participants will be stimulated to create a number of short documentaries to develop their crafts.

• Mini-Series: An intensive introduction for participants to the modern world of mini-series writing. A concept for dramatic writing that is growing popular in the world and in the Arab region. Expect to be focusing on the creative process of writing, sources of ideas and the transformation of inspiration into compelling narratives. Through collaboration, critical exchange, and hands-on exercises in brainstorming, outlining, and character development, participants will create a collective pilot that derives from the program’s central theme for this edition.

• Social Media Content: A workshop that introduces participants to the creative and strategic use of social media as a storytelling tool. Focusing on short-form narratives, visual language, and audience engagement, participants will learn how to craft content that resonates across platforms. Through collaboration, critical reflection, and hands-on exercises, they will experiment with form and style to produce original pieces of social media content.

• Podcast: A workshop that explores how to talk about cinema and transform the act of viewing into a creative practice through sound. Participants will reflect on how films move and inspire us, experiment with the possibilities of voice and audio storytelling, and learn how to shape personal and collective narratives. Through listening, analysis, and hands-on exercises, they will produce original podcasts that express their unique relationship with Cinema honing their podcasting their technical and creative podcasting crafts.

Eligibility

The program is open to:

• Women and men between 18–35 years old, with or without formal film education.

• Applicants from across Egypt, especially those from governorates with limited access to film opportunities outside Cairo and Alexandria.

• Individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, including those facing cultural, financial, or social barriers to working in film.

Submission Materials

Applicants must submit the following:

• A video (max. 3 minutes) introducing yourself and explaining why you want to join the workshop.
• A paragraph about your favorite Youssef Chahine film or about a quote from one of his interviews.
• Seven still images shot inside one room. They should be arranged to give an idea about your character. However, no one should appear in the photographs.
• An idea for a short film set entirely in a house in the desert, nestled in nature with a swimming pool and a view of a pyramid.
• An idea for a project that reflects your interest in one of the DCTM modules.
• An attachment with any previous creative work that reflects your artistic development. It can be reflective of your preferences with the DCTM modules or not.
• A ranked list of the workshop modules in order of preference (1 = most preferred, 5 = least preferred): 

Selection Process

Participants will be selected by a committee of filmmakers and educators. The selection will prioritize creativity, motivation, and diversity of background and perspective. Fifty participants will be chosen in this edition, Ten participants for each module.

Location & Format

The workshops will be in a residency format in Dahshur. Accepted applicants should expect to have intensive sessions onsite twice during the studying period from December 2025 to July 2026. Each session will last for at least five days. The program will combine collective training sessions with one-on-one mentorship and online meetings. It will also include screenings and discussions of films, podcasts and internet-based content. 

How to Apply

Deadline: November 21

Applications should be submitted via ..