The VS-Film Festival for Very Short Films brought a wave of cinematic energy to Egypt’s coastal city of El Sokhna this weekend, showcasing a vibrant collection of films under ten minutes that celebrated brevity, creativity, and cultural diversity.
Now in its latest edition, the festival has rapidly gained recognition across the region for giving emerging filmmakers a platform to tell powerful stories within a limited timeframe. From experimental visuals to tightly crafted dramas and comedies, the entries reflected the boundless innovation of short-form cinema.
Festival director Karim Nassar said the event aims to “democratize storytelling by proving that impact doesn’t depend on duration.” He added that El Sokhna’s serene setting provided the perfect atmosphere for both filmmakers and audiences to engage in artistic exchange beyond the typical big-city festival vibe.
This year’s edition drew submissions from over 40 countries, with notable entries from Egypt, France, Nigeria, and Lebanon. Workshops on scriptwriting, mobile filmmaking, and post-production offered young talents hands-on experience with industry professionals.
A highlight of the evening was the award ceremony, where the jury praised the winning short Sand and Silence for its emotional depth and visual precision. The film, shot entirely on a smartphone, reflected the festival’s ethos storytelling without limits.
With its growing international appeal, the VS-Film Festival continues to affirm El Sokhna’s place on the cultural map, transforming the Red Sea destination into a creative hub for the next generation of filmmakers.
