In collaboration with the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development, Sard – Mariam Naoum, and the El Gouna Film Festival, we are pleased to announce the launch of the “Sawiris Script Lab”, a program designed to support the development and production prospects of feature-length screenplays that have previously received recognition through the Sawiris Cultural Award for Best Screenplay.

The program targets screenwriters whose works either won the award in the Senior or Young Writers categories, or were officially and publicly shortlisted between 2014 and 2024, and have not yet been produced. Applicants must apply with the same script—or a developed version of it, if revised by the writer.

Program Objectives:

• Provide tailored script development sessions to help writers further develop their awarded or shortlisted scripts.
• Train participants to pitch and present their projects professionally to producers and industry stakeholders.
• Offer direct networking opportunities with filmmakers and production entities in Egypt and the region.

Program Components:

• An intensive script development workshop: It will be held in Cairo from September 27 to 29 led by a group of renowned industry experts, focusing on refining the screenplay and preparing it for pitching and production.
• A professional networking program within the CineGouna Platform, giving selected participants the opportunity to take part in one-on-one and group meetings with producers and regional and international distributors, as part of the El Gouna Film Festival.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must apply with the same script—or a developed version of it, if revised by the writer that won or was officially shortlisted for the Sawiris Cultural Award between 2015 and 2024.
• The screenplay must not have been produced at the time of application.
• Submission of a clear dramatic synopsis (maximum 5 pages).
• Submission of an updated CV of the writer.
• Commitment to attend all stages of the workshop and CineGouna activities if selected. The El Gouna Film Festival will take place from October 16 to 24.
• The screenplay must have been awarded or shortlisted within the past 10 years.

To apply, please complete the application form at the following link: https://sawirisfoundation.org/scalab/ 

For Inquires Please contact us at: labs@sard-eg.com
The deadline for submitting inquiries is August 18th, 2025

Deadline for Applications:
21 August 2025