Abanoub Nabil’s Short Film “Elly Mayetesmash” Competes at HollyShorts Film Festival 2026
The short film “Elly Mayetesmash” by Egyptian director Abanoub Nabil is preparing for a new international cinematic journey after being selected for the official competition of the 22nd edition of HollyShorts Film Festival, which will be held in Los Angeles, USA, from August 13 to August 23, 2026. HollyShorts Film Festival is considered one of the world’s most prominent festivals dedicated to short films and is also one of the qualifying festivals for the Academy Awards in the short film category.
The Story of “Elly Mayetesmash” and Its Events
The film follows Janna, a young girl who walks through the city streets at night carrying a jar containing a removed part of her mother’s body. What initially appears to be a simple journey soon turns into a difficult confrontation with a world far beyond her childhood experience. While trying to reach a medical laboratory, Janna faces harsh realities that reveal the heavy responsibilities children may carry under extraordinary circumstances, creating a deeply human story about childhood, fear, and emotional vulnerability.
A Film About Feelings That Are Difficult to Express
“Elly Mayetesmash” explores deep human emotions that are often difficult to describe, focusing on moments of silence, fear, and love, while showing how children can face burdens beyond their age.
Abanoub Nabil Reveals the Idea Behind “Elly Mayetesmash”
Director Abanoub Nabil revealed details about the film, explaining that the idea started with a simple question: how does a child see the world when forced to carry responsibilities that do not belong to their age? Nabil emphasized that he did not want to present only a story about illness, but rather focus on human relationships and emotions connected to fear and love. He explained that the film is an attempt to understand feelings that remain present inside us, even when they are difficult to express.
The Film’s Journey from Egypt to Los Angeles
The journey of “Elly Mayetesmash” began in Egypt, where it participated in the 46th edition of the Cairo International Film Festival, followed by a screening at the 12th edition of the Alexandria Short Film Festival. The film continues its cinematic journey through its international premiere at HollyShorts Film Festival in Los Angeles, competing among a selection of international short films.
The Filmmakers Behind “Elly Mayetesmash”
The film is produced by Red Star, by producers Baho Bakhsh and Safi El Din, in cooperation with Fig Leaf Studio, with production by Mark Lotfy. It also includes co-production with A.A Films by producer Ahmed Amer and Bretta Film by producer Fady Gamal. Dovies Studio is responsible for the visual effects, while Eroin Films handles the film’s worldwide distribution.
Cast and Crew of the Film
The film is directed by Abanoub Nabil, with screenplay written by Abanoub Nabil in collaboration with Mark Lotfy, and writing supervision by Ahmed Amer. The cast includes Tia and Marwa Mostafa. The creative team features cinematographer Mina Nabil, editors Islam Kamal and Mark Lotfy, sound designer Michael Fawzy, composer Mario Morcos, and sound recording by Sameh Nabil.
What is the story of “Elly Mayetesmash”?
The film follows a young girl facing difficult responsibilities during a journey to a medical laboratory, presenting a human story about childhood, fear, and love.
Who directed “Elly Mayetesmash”?
The film was directed and written by Egyptian filmmaker Abanoub Nabil.
Where will “Elly Mayetesmash” have its international premiere?
The film will premiere internationally at HollyShorts Film Festival in Los Angeles, USA, in 2026.
Is HollyShorts Film Festival Oscar-qualifying?
Yes, HollyShorts Film Festival is one of the festivals that qualify short films for the Academy Awards.
