A Bold Exploration ​of Human ​Complexity

"Coming Soon," an award-winning short film by ​Saif Abdelnabi, explores complex themes like ​rape and sexual harassment, all within the ​confines of a 5.20m by 2.50m space. This ​innovative approach earned it Best Film at the ​Al Ain International Film Festival, the Matrix ​People's Choice Award at Hollywood North ​International Film Festival in Canada, and 2nd ​place in the Al Batinah International Film ​Festival in Oman.

coming soon (2024)

A film director who loves to tell heartfelt stories with a twist. ​I studied at the American University in Cairo, where I ​discovered my passion for filmmaking. My film "Coming ​Soon," which explores the impact of rape, has won several ​awards, including Best Film at the Al Ain International Film ​Festival, the Matrix People's Choice Award at the ​Hollywood North International Film Festival in Canada, and ​2nd place at the Al Batinah International Film Festival in ​Oman. I've also worked on several Abu Dhabi Media ​commercials as a First Assistant Director and directed a ​commercial featuring Georgina, Cristiano Ronaldo's ​girlfriend, for Sa’ada Compound in Egypt by Horizon ​Developments. Oh, and my debut work? That was with ​Netflix US, where I represented the Middle East in the ​campaign "The Universal Language," showcasing Berlin's ​personality in "La Casa de Papel." Not too shabby, right?

I like to think of my directing approach as a fun challenge for ​the audience's mind. I respect my viewers too much to give ​them a cliche, predictable story. Instead, I want them to work ​a little, to engage and figure things out. It's like a mental ​workout, but hopefully more enjoyable! I also have this little ​fear of guilt if my film doesn’t achieve anything or turns out ​bad. I know it affects the entire crew and cast, and I’d hate ​for their hard work not to shine on their reels. Thankfully, ​actors and crew members from my films have gone on to act ​in big feature films and series. My work has often been a ​stepping stone for them, looking great in their showreels and ​helping them land those big roles. So, no pressure, right? ​Just a bit of fear-driven motivation to keep making awesome ​films!

Education

My education at the American University in Cairo was ​quite the adventure. Instead of sticking with the film ​department students, who often had an attitude despite ​not achieving much, I chose to collaborate with graduates ​and students from other departments. The head of the ​film department was always unavailable, rarely responding ​to emails, and the film directing professor insisted on his ​own style and vision. This stifled students' creative ​freedom, convincing them that following his way would ​lead to success. Unfortunately, most of the films ​produced under this guidance failed in festivals. Despite ​receiving no support from film students, the film directing ​professor, or the department head, I managed to become ​the university's most accomplished film student. My film ​"Coming Soon" earned me a prominent poster celebrating ​my success, showing that with talent and perseverance, ​you can achieve great things even without traditional ​support.

2024

Georgina X SA’ADA - Head Producer

2023

Head Coach X AD Sports TV - 1st Asst. Director

2023

Women in sports X AD Sports TV - 1st Asst. Director

2023

Ardna Altayeba X Emarat TV - 1st Asst. Director

2021

Balqees X La Lelmostahel - Line Producer

2020

La Casa De Papel X Netflix - Region Critic

Accolades

AL BATINAH

INTERNATIONAL

FILM FESTIVAL

"Coming Soon" achieved 2nd Place for Best ​International Film (2023)

AL AIN

INTERNATIONAL FILM ​FESTIVAL

"Coming Soon" won Best Film in The Falcon Resident Film Competition (2024)

Hollywood North

International Film

Festival

"Coming Soon" is the Winner of the Matrix Public Choice ​Award (2023)

History.

Press