Egypt has entered the race for the 2026 Oscars with the heartfelt coming-of-age drama, Happy Birthday. Directed and co-written by Sarah Goher, the film follows an eight-year-old maid named Doha, portrayed by newcomer Doha Ramadan. It explores themes of class, power, and belonging through the eyes of a child, offering a poignant perspective on societal issues.
The film is produced by Ahmed El Desouky for SkyLimit Production, with Jamie Foxx serving as a producer. Goher, who has previously collaborated with Mohamed Diab on projects like the Marvel series Moon Knight, crafted the screenplay with her creative partner. The film also features a talented cast including Nelly Karim, Hanan Motawie, Sherif Salama, and Aly Sobhy.
At its core, Happy Birthday tells the story of Doha, a young maid working for an affluent family in Cairo. Determined to throw an unforgettable birthday party for her employer’s daughter, she navigates the challenges of classism. The narrative highlights how an innocent child’s dreams can illuminate the stark realities of life.
Film’s Journey and Awards
The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2023, where it garnered significant acclaim, winning awards for best international narrative feature, best screenplay, and the Nora Ephron Award. The film is set to screen at the 29th edition of the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, beginning on November 18, 2023.
Goher’s inspiration for the film is deeply personal. Born in New York, she spent her summers in Cairo, where she formed a bond with a girl who, unbeknownst to her at the time, was employed as her grandmother’s maid. Goher reflects, “After a couple of summers, I realized she was my grandma’s maid. Child labor is not allowed in Egypt, but there’s this gray area.”
The filmmaker emphasizes the importance of casting the right lead for the role. To find the perfect young actress, Goher and her team utilized street casting, social media platforms, and auditions at the Cairo Opera House. “I wanted them all dressed the same so no one would know who was from the nice neighborhood and who was from the poorer neighborhood,” she explained. This approach allowed her to see the children’s true personalities emerge.
Young Doha Ramadan quickly distinguished herself during the auditions. Goher describes her as “a confident and creative girl” with a wealth of stories about her life and neighborhood. This ability to share personal narratives made her a fitting choice for the role.
Empowering Young Talent
Throughout the filming process, Goher ensured that Ramadan understood the distinction between fiction and reality. “I wanted to have her input into her character,” she stated. Goher hopes that audiences will appreciate Doha’s resilience and optimism, which reflect a broader message about the importance of perspective in challenging circumstances.
Recognizing the impact of the film on Ramadan’s life, Goher created an “enrichment program” for the young actress. When filming began, Ramadan could not read, yet she memorized the entire script. Goher arranged for a private tutor to teach her reading and writing, and also enrolled her in the gifted youth center at the Opera House for ballet classes.
“I wanted her to see herself as an artist, because in her socio-economic class, art is not something that’s a priority,” Goher explained. The support from Ramadan’s family throughout this process has been crucial, allowing her to embrace her artistic potential.
As Happy Birthday prepares for its international debut, it promises to resonate with audiences, showcasing the complexities of class and childhood in modern Egypt. The film not only highlights the talent of its young lead but also serves as a powerful reminder of the stories that often go untold.
