Sameh Alaa is an Egyptian filmmaker. His first short film Fifteen premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival 2017 and won several awards in festivals around the world. His last short film I Am Afraid to Forget Your Face became the first Egyptian short film to be awarded Palme d’or in the Festival de Cannes Short Film Competition 2020. I Am Afraid to Forget your Face continues its festival run at San Sebastián Film Festival, Cairo Film Festival, Clermont-Ferrand, Palm Springs Film Festival, Moscow International Film Festival and many others bringing him an international recognition. His films have been showcased at the MOMA and also broadcasted on different TV channels, such as CANAL+, ARTE and SHAHID. Sameh Alaa is currently working on his debut feature film, Whale Belly.