The workshop aimed to empower participants in strengthening the narratives of their documentary projects. Under the guidance of esteemed mentors Marouan Omara and Blair McClendon, filmmakers delved into various aspects of their work. They explored the art of structuring film ideas, striking a balance between different storylines, and utilizing cinematography, sound design, and editing techniques to enhance the storytelling experience.
The program was designed as a project-driven initiative, catering to filmmakers at different stages of their documentary journeys. From late development to early production, advanced editing, or rough cut stages, each participant had the opportunity to receive personalized feedback and guidance tailored to their specific project needs.
The workshop fostered an environment of collaboration and open dialogue. During the first three days, filmmakers presented their rough cuts, sparking peer-to-peer discussions led by the mentors. Through these exchanges, invaluable insights were shared, addressing everything from conceptual elements to the intricacies of the editing process.
One-on-one meetings provided filmmakers with dedicated time to engage individually with the mentors. These sessions allowed for deeper exploration of their projects, enabling filmmakers to gain a fresh perspective and refine their narratives.
Amidst the intense creative work, there were moments for inspiration and reflection. Guest speakers, including Blair McClendon, Marouan Omara, and Michel Shafik, shared their own experiences and expertise, offering participants a glimpse into their artistic journeys. These talks sparked meaningful conversations and expanded the participants’ understanding of the documentary filmmaking landscape.
Beyond the structured sessions, the workshop created space for informal group discussions. Participants engaged in conversations around ethics and filmmaking, fostering connections and a sense of community. Filmmakers also had the opportunity to screen their own movies, allowing for further dialogue and appreciation of each other’s work.
As the workshop came to a close, participants had the chance to showcase the progress they made in editing their creative documentaries. This final event served as a celebration of their growth, while also providing a platform for feedback and further refinement.
The Full-Length Creative Documentaries workshop left a lasting impact on the filmmakers who attended. It fostered a supportive environment and provided invaluable mentorship that will continue to shape their artistic journeys. Through the dedication and passion of the participants and the guidance of the mentors, the workshop contributed to the growth and development of documentary filmmaking in Egypt.
- Blair McClendon
- Marouan Omara
- Amira Mortada -Restore
- Amir El Shenawy -American Dream
- Asmaa Gamal -My Dream to Fly
- Ahmed Fouad Ragab -Medjed
- Nourhan Abdelsalam -Ser Hodhod Afandi
- Ahmed Alkayal
- Muhammad Salah -The Last Man
- Dina El-Zeneiny -Embers of Love
- Femony Okasha -The Memory of Dementia
- Yomna Khattab -50 meters
- Youhanna Nagy -Artificial Memories
The program was designed as a project-driven initiative, catering to filmmakers at different stages of their documentary journeys. From late development to early production, advanced editing, or rough cut stages, each participant had the opportunity to receive personalized feedback and guidance tailored to their specific project needs.
The workshop fostered an environment of collaboration and open dialogue. During the first three days, filmmakers presented their rough cuts, sparking peer-to-peer discussions led by the mentors. Through these exchanges, invaluable insights were shared, addressing everything from conceptual elements to the intricacies of the editing process.
One-on-one meetings provided filmmakers with dedicated time to engage individually with the mentors. These sessions allowed for deeper exploration of their projects, enabling filmmakers to gain a fresh perspective and refine their narratives.
Amidst the intense creative work, there were moments for inspiration and reflection. Guest speakers, including Blair McClendon, Marouan Omara, and Michel Shafik, shared their own experiences and expertise, offering participants a glimpse into their artistic journeys. These talks sparked meaningful conversations and expanded the participants’ understanding of the documentary filmmaking landscape.
Beyond the structured sessions, the workshop created space for informal group discussions. Participants engaged in conversations around ethics and filmmaking, fostering connections and a sense of community. Filmmakers also had the opportunity to screen their own movies, allowing for further dialogue and appreciation of each other’s work.
As the workshop came to a close, participants had the chance to showcase the progress they made in editing their creative documentaries. This final event served as a celebration of their growth, while also providing a platform for feedback and further refinement.
The Full-Length Creative Documentaries workshop left a lasting impact on the filmmakers who attended. It fostered a supportive environment and provided invaluable mentorship that will continue to shape their artistic journeys. Through the dedication and passion of the participants and the guidance of the mentors, the workshop contributed to the growth and development of documentary filmmaking in Egypt.
Mentors:
Blair McClendon
Marouan Omara
SELECTED PROJECTS
Amira Mortada -Restore
Amir El Shenawy -American Dream
Asmaa Gamal -My Dream to Fly
Ahmed Fouad Ragab -Medjed
Nourhan Abdelsalam -Ser Hodhod Afandi
Ahmed Alkayal
Muhammad Salah -The Last Man
Dina El-Zeneiny -Embers of Love
Femony Okasha -The Memory of Dementia
Yomna Khattab -50 meters
Youhanna Nagy -Artificial Memories

