Sawiris Foundation for Social Development is proud to announce the launch of the 21st edition of the Sawiris Cultural Award, an initiative dedicated to celebrating and empowering Egyptian literary and artistic talent. Submissions are now open and will be accepted until Thursday, July 24, 2025.
Best Novel & Short Story Collection
Established Writers Category
- Best Novel – EGP 250,000
- Best Short Story Collection – EGP 250,000
Emerging Writers Category
- Best Novel
- First Prize: EGP 200,000
- Second Prize: EGP 150,000
- Best Short Story Collection
- First Prize: EGP 200,000
- Second Prize: EGP 150,000
- Shortlist Recognition – EGP 15,000 for each shortlisted emerging writer
Translation Award
Awarded to the first-prize-winning novel in the Emerging Writers category. The prize covers full translation, printing, and publishing costs in partnership with a recognized publisher or institution.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The submitted work must be a first edition, published in Egypt or abroad, and carry an official deposit number or ISBN issued between 2022 and 2024.
- Applicants in the Emerging Writers category must be under 40 years of age as of July 24, 2025.
Best Screenplay Written Directly for Cinema
Established Writers Category
- For writers aged over 40 or those with a professionally produced feature film screened in cinemas.
- Prize: EGP 250,000
Emerging Writers Category
- For writers under 40 years old who have not previously had a feature-length film produced.
- Prize: EGP 150,000
- Shortlist Recognition – EGP 15,000 per shortlisted writer
Eligibility Criteria:
- The screenplay must not be in production before July 24, 2025.
- A PDF treatment (max 5 pages) must be submitted with the script.
Best Playwriting
- First Prize: EGP 250,000
- Second Prize: EGP 150,000
Eligibility Criteria:
- The work must not have been professionally staged.
- A PDF treatment (max 5 pages) must accompany the script.
- No age restrictions.
Literary Criticism & Narrative Studies Award
This award recognizes the best published book in the fields of literary criticism, biography, autobiography, travel writing, historical documentation, or literary journalism.
- Prize: EGP 200,000
Eligibility Criteria:
- The work must be a first edition, with a deposit number or ISBN issued between 2022 and 2024.
- Academic theses or dissertations are not eligible.
- No age restrictions.
Best Children’s Book (Under Age 12)
Awarded jointly to the author and illustrator of the winning book.
- First Prize: EGP 200,000
- Second Prize: EGP 150,000
Eligibility Criteria:
- The work must be original, written in Arabic, and not translated or adapted.
- It should be intended for children up to age 12.
- Must be a first edition with a deposit number or ISBN from 2022–2024.
- The application must include full details of the illustrator, including phone number, address, email, and a copy of a valid ID.
- No age restrictions.
General Guidelines
- Open exclusively to Egyptian nationals.
- Each applicant may submit only one work and apply to one category.
- Submitted work must not have won any other Egyptian, regional, or international award.
- Entries must not be submitted to any other competition during the same timeframe.
- All applicants must confirm that their work is original, not plagiarized, and not AI-generated. Submissions will be screened using plagiarism and AI-detection tools.
- If the submission is an adaptation (screenplay or play) of an existing Egyptian literary work, the original title must be cited, and a signed consent letter from the original author must be attached.
- Submissions are welcome from individuals, cultural institutions, universities, and organizations.
- The award committee reserves the right to withhold or revoke any award if necessary.
- In outstanding cases, the Board of Trustees may approve the translation of winning works into foreign languages.
- The publishing house with the most award-winning works will receive a Certificate of Recognition at the annual award ceremony.
- Winning screenplays may be nominated for professional production consideration at the El Gouna and Cairo International Film Festivals.
How to Apply
- Complete the official application form available at this link.
- Submit 5 printed copies of the work in the selected category.
- For screenplay and theatre scripts, also submit 5 copies of the treatment (max 5 pages) along with 5 bound copies of the work.
- Submissions must be delivered by hand or by mail to: Sawiris Foundation for Social Development
10 Al-Diwan Street, off Nile Corniche, Garden City, Cairo
Submission Hours: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Sunday to Thursday (excluding public holidays)
Deadline for submissions: Thursday, July 24, 2025.
Submissions received after this date will not be considered.
ℹ️ For Further Information:
🌐 Website: https://sawirisfoundation.org/award-applications/
📞 Phone: 01221113331
(Available daily from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, except Fridays and Saturdays, excluding public holidays)
