The Very Short Films Festival (VS-FILM) opens next Sunday in Ain Sokhna, Suez governorate, bringing with it the sparkle of cinematic imagination and the spirit of artistic adventure. Visions from 119 countries will converge in this global celebration of ultra-short cinema – a form that distils the world into a single scene and a story into a fleeting moment.
Held under the patronage of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture and organised by the Gold Hills Foundation, in cooperation with several local and international partners, the festival reaffirms Egypt’s enduring role as a cradle of the arts. It underscores the nation’s ongoing support for creative initiatives that expand the boundaries of expression and empower young people to communicate through the language of image and imagination.
Running from 2 to 6 November, the festival’s second edition is presided over by Osama Abu Nar, who leads this ambitious cinematic journey with a spirit of renewal and a clear vision to establish VS-FILM as a truly international platform for creative talent. Executive Director Ziad Basmair emphasises that the festival’s essence lies in giving emerging voices the opportunity to tell their stories freely – transforming it into a genuine space for artistic expression rather than a passing event.
The name “VS-FILM”, an abbreviation of “Very Short Film”, encapsulates a philosophy that celebrates brevity and intensity – an art form that bridges the gap between idea and audience. It is cinema at its purest, offering wonder and reflection in mere moments. The very short film tests the creator’s imagination and emotional intelligence, inviting cinema to rediscover itself anew.
This year’s edition has witnessed unprecedented global engagement, with more than 3,000 submissions received from around the world. Of these, 200 films representing 119 countries were selected for the official competition, making the festival one of the most diverse and dynamic cinematic gatherings in the region. This remarkable participation stands as testimony to the festival’s growing reputation as an inclusive international platform open to all cultures and forms of creativity.
In its second edition, the festival pays tribute to a distinguished group of artists who have enriched the Arab cinematic scene, including Hala Sedky, Hanan Motawie, and Ashraf Abdel Baky, alongside a special recognition for producer Abbas Ibn Al-Abbas. Their contributions to Egyptian and Arab cinema embody the creative spirit the festival seeks to celebrate. The festival will also honour the members of its international jury, composed of renowned filmmakers from different corners of the world.
The jury, as announced by Masafat newspaper (issue no. 6210, dated 15 October 2025), will preside over two competitions: films under five minutes and films under ten minutes. The panel is chaired by veteran Egyptian director Omar Abdel Aziz, joined by Egyptian actresses Shereen Adel and Manal Salama, and animation professor Mohamed Ghaleb. From abroad, the panel welcomes French director Jean-Marie Villeneuve, celebrated for his award-winning comedy La Crème; Nigerian director and screenwriter Desmond Ovbiagele, creator of The Milkmaid – the first Nigerian film nominated for the 93rd Academy Awards; and British filmmaker and artist Lloyd. Together, they reflect the festival’s dedication to cultural diversity and artistic excellence.
Beyond its screenings and tributes, VS-FILM seeks to cultivate a new generation of filmmakers through training workshops and open discussions. Highlights include a workshop by Sudanese director Amjad Abu Alala, alongside sessions by British and French filmmakers, fostering artistic exchange and technical mastery in the creation of ultra-short films. These initiatives aim to strengthen dialogue among filmmakers from diverse backgrounds and nurture a collaborative creative community.
The opening ceremony will feature a selection of distinguished films, a musical performance, and tributes to Arab and international guests of honour. The festival will conclude with a grand awards ceremony celebrating the winners, attended by prominent artists, media figures, and critics. For five days, Ain Sokhna will transform into a meeting ground of cultures – a global stage for stories told through light, sound, and imagination.
In just two years, the VS-FILM Festival has become a vibrant hub for creative convergence, attracting cinematic voices from East and West alike and reaffirming Egypt’s position as a beacon of art in the region. The very short film, as its founders believe, is more than a format – it is the language of the future, where expression is distilled, emotion intensified, and impact enduring.
As Osama Abu Nar explains, the festival aims to “revitalise the Arab cinematic scene and create a global dialogue between cultures through image and idea.” Ziad Basmair adds that this edition “marks a new step towards establishing the festival as a high-level international event that combines refined artistic quality with precise organisation worthy of Egypt’s image in the eyes of the world.”
Ultimately, the VS-FILM Festival reflects the image of a new Egypt – one that blends authenticity with modernity and opens its arms to the world through art and hospitality. Between sea and screen, Ain Sokhna becomes a living testament to the power of creativity, reminding us that in cinema, no matter how short the story, its memory endures far longer than time itself.
