Alexandria International Contemporary Cinema Days (2)

If the film contains sexual scenes, innuendos, or allusions, please indicate this in the film's description, as we adhere to screening standards that require us to label films containing sexual innuendos or scenes as +18 so that the audience has the freedom to choose whether or not to watch the film, since some people do not like to watch films that contain sexual scenes. It should be noted that this does not affect the opinions of the festival committees at all, as the festival committees are neutral, transparent, and deal with everyone on the principle of equal opportunities.

If the film contains sexual scenes, innuendos, or allusions, please indicate this in the film's description, as we adhere to screening standards that require us to label films containing sexual innuendos or scenes as +18 so that the audience has the freedom to choose whether or not to watch the film, since some people do not like to watch films that contain sexual scenes. It should be noted that this does not affect the opinions of the festival committees at all, as the festival committees are neutral, transparent, and deal with everyone on the principle of equal opportunities.

If the film contains sexual scenes, innuendos, or allusions, please indicate this in the film's description, as we adhere to screening standards that require us to label films containing sexual innuendos or scenes as +18 so that the audience has the freedom to choose whether or not to watch the film, since some people do not like to watch films that contain sexual scenes. It should be noted that this does not affect the opinions of the festival committees at all, as the festival committees are neutral, transparent, and deal with everyone on the principle of equal opportunities.

If the film contains sexual scenes, innuendos, or allusions, please indicate this in the film's description, as we adhere to screening standards that require us to label films containing sexual innuendos or scenes as +18 so that the audience has the freedom to choose whether or not to watch the film, since some people do not like to watch films that contain sexual scenes. It should be noted that this does not affect the opinions of the festival committees at all, as the festival committees are neutral, transparent, and deal with everyone on the principle of equal opportunities.

1) Eligibility Requirements

The project must meet all of the following criteria:

1. The project must be a short film (fiction/experimental) or a documentary film.

2. It must be in the scriptwriting or early development stage (not ready for shooting or post-production).

3. A single director or a team (director/producer/writer) may submit a project, provided that one lead actor is identified.

4. There is no age limit—the competition is open to all ages.

5. The project does not need to be filmed in Egypt or related to Alexandria.

6. All submitted materials must be written in English or include professional English subtitles.

7. Participants may submit more than one project, provided that a separate fee is paid for each project.

8. The project must not have received a full production grant from another entity prior to submission (a small portion is acceptable).

9. Projects containing content that incites hatred, discrimination, or violence will not be accepted. 2) Required Submission Materials
A complete file must be provided containing:

A) Logline (one line summarizing the idea) – 1-2 sentences maximum.

B) Synopsis (detailed synopsis of the film) – 500-800 words.

C) Director’s Statement (director’s vision) – Include:
Why do you want to make this film?

The artistic or philosophical message of the project.

Your personal connection to the story (optional).

D) Treatment or Script (depending on the stage)
If writing stage → Treatment: 3-5 pages.

If development stage → Draft Script (PDF format only).

E) Visual References / Moodboard (optional but important) – 5-10 images illustrating the overall atmosphere (mood, tone, color palette).

F) Director’s Bio (Concise Professional CV)
– 150–250 words + links to previous work, if available.

G) Producer’s Bio (If there is a co-producer)
– 150–250 words.

H) Budget (Estimated Budget)
– One page showing:
Total cost
Current funding sources (if any)
Funding gap

I) Timeline (Expected Timeline)
– One page:
1. End of development
2. Start of filming
3. Editing
4. Final cut date

3) Additional Rules
1. The $10,000 grant will be disbursed in installments, not as a single payment.

2. A progress report must be submitted every 60 days.

3. The festival logo must be included at the beginning of the film during production.

4. The festival reserves the right to request a Zoom interview with the project owner before the final selection.

5. The jury's decisions are final and not subject to appeal. 6. In the event of a participant's withdrawal or project discontinuation without a valid reason, the festival reserves the right to cancel the grant.

A 7-14 day residency program in Alexandria for film projects in development

1) Eligibility Requirements

1. The project must be a short film or documentary (experimental fiction is also acceptable).

2. The project must be in the idea, writing, or development stage.

3. Projects ready for shooting or in post-production are not eligible.

4. Open to filmmakers of all nationalities.

5. Applicants must have sufficient English proficiency to participate in development sessions.

6. If the project is a team project, only one person can apply, but the residency is for one person (adding another person is possible for an additional fee).

7. Projects that have previously participated in larger residency programs are eligible to apply, provided they have not received a residency twice for the same project.

2) Required Submission Materials

A) Logline (one sentence)

B) Synopsis (500–700 words)
C) Artistic Vision
– A page explaining:
The film's theme
Why is it being made now?

The artistic and narrative style
What does the project need during the residency?

D) Development Plan
– Specific points:
Writing specific scenes
Character development
Treatment construction
Structure construction
Research
Etc…

E) Previous Works

– Link to 1 or 2 previous works only (first projects without previous works are acceptable).

F) Short Director's CV
– 150–250 words.

Benefits of the Residency

7–14 day hotel accommodation.

Breakfast, lunch, and drinks.

Internal transfers throughout the stay.

Airport pick-up and drop-off.

Mobile phone line and internet access. Individual development sessions with consultants.

Free tours of Alexandria (Bibliotheca Alexandrina – Montazah – Corniche – historical filming locations).

Pitching sessions at the end of the program.

4) Additional Rules

1. Applicants must be able to travel during the specified period.

2. The festival does not cover:

Visas
Airfare

3. The winner must be present for the entire duration of the stay.

4. Participants cannot be substituted or have their stay transferred to another person.

5. In case of absence without a valid excuse, the prize will be forfeited and awarded to another project.

6. Participants grant the festival permission to document development sessions and film non-sensitive content.