Sameh Alaa

Sameh Alaa is an Egyptian filmmaker, writer, and producer from Cairo. He studied German Literature at Cairo University before training in directing at FAMU in Prague and earning a master’s from EICAR in Paris.

He is known for blending intimate storytelling with a distinct cinematic style. His works include The Steak of Aunt Margaux (2016), Fifteen (2017), and the Cannes-winning I Am Afraid to Forget Your Face (2020), which received the Short Film Palme d’Or.

He later directed Janue (2023) and S The Wolf – I Will Have the Crown Back on My Head (2024). His upcoming projects include The Day I Smoked a Cigarette with My Father and the TV series The Tale of Narges (both 2026).