Egypt’s ‘Happy Birthday’ Shines as Oscar Hopeful for 2026

Egypt’s forthcoming submission for the Best International Feature category at the 2026 Oscars, titled Happy Birthday, is a poignant coming-of-age drama that centers around an eight-year-old maid named Doha. Directed and co-written by Sarah Goher, the film features a compelling cast including newcomer Doha Ramadan, Nelly Karim, Hanan Motawie, Sherif Salama, and Aly Sobhy. The project is produced by Jamie Foxx and produced under SkyLimit Production by Ahmed El Desouky.

The narrative unfolds in Cairo, where Doha, the young maid, navigates her duties for an affluent family while striving to organize an unforgettable birthday celebration for her employer’s daughter. As the film progresses, it delves into themes of class, power, and belonging through the innocent perspective of a child. This exploration of societal issues is highlighted in a preview from the 29th edition of the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, where the film will begin screening on March 15, 2024.

Happy Birthday debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2023, where it received accolades for Best International Narrative Feature, Best Screenplay in the same category, and the prestigious Nora Ephron Award. Goher’s motivation for the film stems from her personal experiences during her childhood summers spent in Cairo.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Goher recounted how she befriended a young girl who was later revealed to be her grandmother’s maid. This revelation sparked her awareness of the unspoken realities surrounding child labor in Egypt, a legal gray area where young maids often exist in silence. “Child labor is not allowed in Egypt,” Goher stated, “but there’s this gray area where families have a child around them that was in this limbo.”

Casting the right lead for the role of Doha was critical for Goher. She emphasized the need for a girl who comprehended the socio-economic environment of her character. The casting process was extensive, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok. Ultimately, Goher invited around 60 girls to audition 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 recalled. The audition involved various activities, including dancing, singing, and improvisation. Young Doha Ramadan emerged as a standout candidate, impressing Goher with her creativity and confidence.

Goher underscored the importance of collaboration with Ramadan throughout the filming process. “I wanted her input into her character,” she explained, emphasizing her desire not to impose a narrative from her perspective onto the young actress. The filmmaker hopes that audiences will resonate with the character of Toha, who embodies resilience without self-pity. “She just wants to live her life, and that’s something we all need to see,” Goher stated.

Recognizing the impact of the film on Ramadan’s life, Goher established an “enrichment program” for her young lead. Despite memorizing the entire script, Ramadan had not learned to read when filming began. To support her development, Goher secured a private tutor to teach her reading and writing and enrolled her at a gifted youth center at the Opera House for ballet lessons.

“I wanted her to see herself as an artist,” Goher expressed, acknowledging the societal barriers that often devalue the arts in lower socio-economic classes. She also praised Ramadan’s family for their unwavering support throughout the filmmaking journey.

As Happy Birthday prepares for its international release, it stands as a testament to the power of storytelling that bridges cultural divides, offering a glimpse into the lives of those often overlooked in society.