The 46th Cairo International Film Festival launched its Gala Screenings today with the world premiere of the documentary “One More Show” (Egypt–Palestine), directed by Mai Saad and Ahmed Aldanaf, presenting a deeply human story that rises from the rubble of Gaza.
Set against the backdrop of devastation and loss, the film follows a group of circus artists who refuse to surrender to despair, transforming their performances into acts of resistance, resilience, and hope.
It documents the journey of the Free Gaza Circus—Youssef, Batot, Ismail, Mohamed, and Just—who, after being displaced from northern Gaza to the south, continue performing for children in shelters and streets, offering moments of joy amid darkness.
While death lingers in the air, their art becomes a powerful expression of life, reminding the world that creativity can flourish even in the shadow of destruction.
“One More Show” marks the first feature-length documentary by Mai Saad and Ahmed Aldanaf.
Mai Saad, an Egyptian filmmaker, began her career as an assistant director on several feature and short films. She is currently producing a new documentary and working as a creative producer on a feature narrative project.
Ahmed Aldanaf, a cinematographer and filmmaker from Gaza, won the Youssef Chahine Award at the 2024 Cairo International Film Festival for his short film “School Day”, which screened at multiple international festivals.
The Cairo International Film Festival, founded in 1976 and accredited by FIAPF, stands as one of the most prestigious cinematic events in the Arab world and Africa, serving as a vital platform for cultural dialogue and a showcase for Arab cinema on the global stage.
TunisianMonitorOnline Correspondent (Douha Essaafi)
