In a significant milestone for contemporary Arab independent cinema, the films “Doi” and “32B” emerged as standout winners at the Sousse International Festival, earning prestigious awards that highlight the growing global recognition of socially driven storytelling 🎬🌍.
Writer Hytham Debour announced the dual achievement through his official social media accounts, sharing moments from the award ceremony that reflected pride and celebration among the creative teams.
🏆 “Doi” wins the Grand Jury Prize
Directed by Kareem El-Shenawy, “Doi” secured the Grand Jury Prize in the feature film category—one of the festival’s most prestigious honors.
The film presents a deeply human story about a Nubian child named “Doi,” who suffers from albinism and faces social exclusion and bullying, yet carries an extraordinary singing talent 🎤✨.
The narrative follows an emotional journey from Aswan to Cairo, blending hardship, hope, and resilience into a powerful cinematic experience.
🌟 “32B” earns the Silver Jewel
Meanwhile, the short film “32B”, directed by Mohamed Taha, won the Silver Jewel Award, reinforcing Debour’s strong presence across multiple categories.
The film stands out for its visual language and symbolic storytelling, earning praise for its direction and narrative intensity 🎥.
🎭 Strong audience reception
Beyond the awards, both films received enthusiastic audience reactions during screenings, with viewers praising their emotional depth and social relevance.
For the creators, this audience connection was considered just as valuable as the official recognition ❤️.
✨ A socially driven cinematic vision
Both films tackle important social themes, including:
- Discrimination and acceptance
- Childhood dreams and resilience
- Identity and self-worth
- Cinema as a tool for social awareness 🌍
“Doi” in particular emphasizes a journey of hope, showing how determination can overcome societal barriers.
🎬 Cinema as a message
This achievement reflects a broader shift in Arab cinema toward more meaningful, issue-driven storytelling that goes beyond entertainment.
Hytham Debour’s works continue to contribute to this evolution by blending emotional storytelling with strong cinematic craft.
