Sawiris Foundation for Social Development announces the opening of applications for the award until Thursday, July 25, 2024.

Best Novel and Short Story Collection Award Branch 1 (Senior Writers):

• Best Novel Award: Prize of 250,000 Egyptian Pounds
• Best Short Story Collection Award: Prize of 250,000 Egyptian Pounds

Branch 2 (Young Writers):

• Best Novel Award:
  • 1st Place: 200,000 Egyptian Pounds
  • 2nd Place: 150,000 Egyptian Pounds
• Best Short Story Collection Award:
  • 1st Place: 200,000 Egyptian Pounds
  • 2nd Place: 150,000 Egyptian Pounds
• Shortlist for Young Writers: 15,000 Egyptian Pounds

Translation Award Awarded to the winning novel in the 1st Place – Young Writers branch, covering all costs for contracting with an entity or publishing house for translation, printing, and publication of the winning novel.

Award Conditions:

• The submitted work must be a first edition publication, whether inside or outside Egypt, and have an international deposit or numbering (ISBN, etc.) between the years 2021-2023.
• The age of applicants for the 2nd branch (Young Writers) must not exceed 40 years by July 25, 2024.

Best Direct Screenplay Award for Cinema Branch 1 (Senior Writers): Awarded to screenplay writers over 40 years old, or those who have previously had a professionally produced screenplay in cinemas. Prize value: 250,000 Egyptian Pounds

Branch 2 (Young Writers): Awarded to screenplay writers under 40 years old who have not previously had a professionally produced feature film screenplay in cinemas. Prize value: 150,000 Egyptian Pounds Shortlist for Young Writers: 15,000 Egyptian Pounds

Award Conditions:

• Production of the submitted screenplay must not have commenced by July 25, 2024.
• A PDF copy of the general dramatic script (up to 5 pages) must be attached with the submitted screenplay.

Best Playwriting Award

• 1st Place Prize: 250,000 Egyptian Pounds
• 2nd Place Prize: 150,000 Egyptian Pounds

Award Conditions:

• The submitted work must not have been professionally staged before.
• A PDF copy of the general dramatic script (up to 5 pages) must be attached with the submitted play.
• There is no specified age limit for applicants.

Literary Criticism and Non-Fiction Award Awarded to the best published book in literary criticism and literary narratives, including biography, autobiography, travel literature, historical writings, critical and journalistic writings, etc. Prize value: 200,000 Egyptian Pounds

Award Conditions:

• The submitted work must be a first edition publication, whether inside or outside Egypt, and have an international deposit or numbering (ISBN, etc.) between the years 2021-2023.
• The submitted work must not be a scientific thesis or research for an academic degree.
• There is no specified age limit for applicants.

Best Children’s Book Under 12 Years Old Jointly awarded between the author and illustrator of the winning work.

• 1st Place Prize: 200,000 Egyptian Pounds
• 2nd Place Prize: 150,000 Egyptian Pounds

Award Conditions:

• The work must be in Arabic, original and not translated or adapted, with content aimed at children up to 12 years old.
• The submitted work must be a first edition publication, whether inside or outside Egypt, and have an international deposit or numbering (ISBN, etc.) between the years 2021-2023.
• The illustrator’s name and contact details (phone number, address, email, and a copy of their ID) must be included in the application form.
• There is no specified age limit for applicants.

General Conditions:

• Applicants must be Egyptian nationals.
• Each author can submit only one work, limited to one branch of the award.
• The submitted work must not have received any other Egyptian, Arab, or international award.
• Applicants cannot submit the same work to another competition during the same period.
• The author affirms that the submitted work is original and not plagiarized or written by artificial intelligence, as all submissions will be checked using specialized software to ensure authenticity.
• In cases where literary texts are adapted for the Screenplay and Theater branches, the original literary work must be Egyptian. Written consent from the original author to adapt their literary work into a screenplay or theatrical script must be provided by the applicant.
• Nominations from individuals, cultural institutions, universities, and organizations are accepted.
• The specialized committees have the right to withhold an award in any of its branches without providing reasons or to withdraw an award after it has been granted if deemed necessary.
• In the case of exceptionally distinguished works, the Board of Trustees of the award has the right to decide on translating the work into other languages.
• Publishing houses that win the most awards will be honored and receive a certificate of appreciation at the annual Sawiris Cultural Award ceremony.
• The Award Secretariat has the right to nominate winning screenplays for consideration by the specialized committees of the El Gouna Film Festival and Cairo International Film Festival for professional production.

How to Apply for the 20th Edition:

• Applicants interested in participating in the competition are required to complete the registration forms available on the Sawiris Foundation website and attach all required documents.
• Submit 5 copies of the submitted work to any branch of the award.
• For applicants to the Best Screenplay Award or Best Play Award, submit 5 printed and sealed copies of the work along with 5 copies of the dramatic treatment.
• Submit the signed copies and application form in person or by mail to the Sawiris Foundation headquarters at the following address: 10 Diwan Street, off Nile Corniche, Garden City, Cairo. Daily from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, except Fridays, Saturdays, and official holidays.

Deadline for Submission: Thursday, July 25, 2024. Applications and works received after this date will not be considered.

For more information, please contact us at: 01221113331, daily from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, except Fridays and Saturdays.