Most Promising Newcomer (Female)
Aida-El-Kashef (Ship Of Theseus)
It was the sheer power of the senses that worked in perfect rhythm to favour the critically acclaimed Ship of Theseus and its actors. Egyptian actor-film-maker, Aida El Kashef walked away with the honours as the Best Promising Newcomer (Female). The sensitive portryal of a blind photographer whose only armour were her instincts and the natural flair to capture the beauty of nature on her camera were brought into sharp focus, when she is creatively upset with her creations after regaining her eyesight.
Kashef met the Ship of Theseus director Anand Gandhi at the Hannover Film Festival where their films Continuum (co-directed by Gandhi and Khushboo Ranka) and Rhapsody in Autumn (2008) were screened. The role of Aliya Kamal came to her while she was assisting Gandhi in the auditions of the photographer’s boyfriend. Impressed by her diction, Gandhi decided to rope her in for the role and in fact, even rewrote her part to suit her ethnic sensibilities. Besides films, Kashef is an activist in the political movement of her country.
“It was really a surprise! I am very honoured to win such a prestigious award. I’d like to thank everyone behind Screen Award and most importantly Anand Gandhi for giving me the chance to be part of such an amazing film and also for welcoming me in such a beautiful country.” — Aida El-Kashef