Naji Ismail

Born in 1983 with a disability in Cairo, Naji Ismail found solace in video films during his childhood.
Moving to Upper Egypt at nine, his worldview was shaped by local stories and legends, sparking his
passion for cinema. Graduating from the Higher Cinema Institute in 2006, he later studied documentary
filmmaking at George Washington University. In 2012, he founded Rahala Production and Distribution,
directing Om Amira, the first Egyptian film in Berlinale's official competition. He also created acclaimed
shorts The Builders and Mama and produced Where Did Ramses Go?. Naji now teaches cinema and
mentors aspiring filmmakers.