“The Last Miracle” Opens El Gouna Film Festival

The El Gouna Film Festival organizers have announced that the film *The Last Miracle*, directed by Abdel Wahab Shawky, will open the seventh edition of the festival. This marks the second consecutive year a short film has been chosen to open the festival, which will run from October 24 to November 1.

Story and Cast of *The Last Miracle*

*The Last Miracle* is based on the story “Miracle” from the short story collection *The Black Cat Tavern* by Egyptian Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz. The film elgounafilmfestivalofficial explores the intriguing interplay between the material and spiritual realms.

The plot centers around Yahya, a 40-year-old journalist who receives a mysterious phone call from a deceased person while sitting in a bar. This unusual event triggers a spiritual journey, leading Yahya to an unexpected fate.

Directed by Abdel Wahab Shawky and co-written by Mark Lotfy, the film stars Khaled Kamal, Ahmed Siam, and Abed Anani, with a special appearance by Ghada Adel. It is produced by Amjad Abu Alala (Station Films), who directed *You Will Die at Twenty*—a film that won the Lion of the Future award at the Venice Film Festival. Other producers include Mark Lotfy (Fig Leaf Studios), Bahu Bakhsh (Red Star Films), and Adel Abdallah (K Films and Shaft Studios). The film also received support from the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC).

Director’s Vision for Adapting Mahfouz’s Story

Director Abdel Wahab Shawky explained his creative approach to adapting Mahfouz’s story. “This story was written by Mahfouz following the June 1967 defeat. I believe we are still living in the shadow of that period. It reflects a loss of faith in oneself and one’s abilities. Leading people to grasp at the irrational because it becomes the only hope.”

Shawky elaborated on the cultural impact of the era, noting the widespread reaction to the Virgin Mary’s.  Supposed appearance over the Church of Zeitoun, following Egypt’s setback in 1967. “Both Muslims and Christians turned toward extreme religiosity in response to the defeat. The Arab individual felt defeated, and when hope in a worldly solution disappeared, they clung to the miraculous,” he said. Shawky emphasized that this mindset remains prevalent today. The film seeks to examine and address its root causes.

Rawan Bin Hussein reveals details of her suffering with her ex-husband