In her powerful debut feature, Sarah Goher presents a sensitive yet unflinching look at social class in contemporary Cairo through the innocent perspective of an eight-year-old girl. Co-written with Mohamed Diab, Happy Birthday introduces us to Toha, a child employed in a wealthy household who develops a deep bond with her employer’s daughter, Nelly. Toha, a girl who has never known the joy of her own birthday, dedicates herself to orchestrating a spectacular celebration for Nelly, all the while holding a quiet wish to experience that same happiness herself.Goher masterfully crafts an emotional landscape where the simple act of planning a birthday party becomes a nuanced exploration of privilege and belonging. The film’s narrative is propelled by the remarkable performance of newcomer Doha Ramadan as Toha, whose portrayal is both spirited and profoundly affecting. Supported by a cast that includes acclaimed actress Nelly Karim, the film avoids sensationalism, instead using intimate moments to illuminate the invisible walls that divide lives in modern society. The camera, guided by cinematographer Seif El Din Khaled, captures the stark contrast between the two girls’ worlds, from the opulence of the family’s home to the lively, crowded streets where Toha comes from. It’s an intimate look at a child’s journey to understand her place in a society defined by unspoken rules and rigid hierarchies. Happy Birthday stands as a testament to the power of human connection across socioeconomic divides and has already garnered significant international recognition. It was honoured with three major awards at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival: Best International Feature, Best Screenplay in an International Narrative Feature, and the prestigious Nora Ephron Award for Best Female Director. This trio of accolades affirms the film’s status as a vital new voice in Egyptian and world cinema.Raman Chawla