AUC, Silver Screen Film School Launch Egypt's First Film Business Certificate
AUC’s School of Continuing Education (SCE) recently graduated the inaugural cohort of Egypt’s first Film Industry Business Certificate, a program that launched this summer in partnership with the international Silver Screen Film School in Romania.
“The certificate bridges a long-standing gap in film education, merging creativity with the vital business skills needed to thrive in the film industry,” said SCE Dean Mahmoud Allam. “We’re proud to introduce a program that speaks directly to the needs of aspiring filmmakers, producers, marketers and entrepreneurs across the region. This collaboration is a strong example of how SCE continues to connect education to emerging market needs.”
Taught by industry veterans, including award-winning filmmakers and producers from the Silver Screen Film School as well as AUC subject matter experts in the business field, the program provides learners with a practical understanding of the film industry and its inner workings. To do this, its curriculum offers training in areas such as production, marketing, budgeting, distribution and more.
"The film industry in Egypt and the region is undergoing a rapid transformation, and with it comes a demand for talent who are not only creatively driven but also strategically equipped."
“The program is designed not just for emerging talent, but also for anyone who didn’t previously have access to this kind of specialized film education, whether they’re shifting careers or reigniting a passion,” said Mariam Hamdy ’06, ’14, who co-founded the Silver Screen Film School alongside Octavian Dăncilă, a Romanian senior film programmer.
Students in the first cohort were a mix of aspiring producers, marketers and creative entrepreneurs, united by a passion for film and a desire to understand the industry beyond the camera. They learned how to pitch projects, manage film financing, navigate distribution and build personal brands using AI tools.
“I loved all the mentors; they listened to every question and were incredibly generous with their knowledge. If anything, I just wish we had more hours for each module because the content was so rich and engaging,” said participant Nachwa El Batal.
“The program is designed not just for emerging talent, but also for anyone who didn’t previously have access to this kind of specialized film education, whether they’re shifting careers or reigniting a passion.”
The program is aiming to fill a gap in the market and respond to a growing niche within the film industry, according to Hamdy. “Many talented individuals lack access to structured training in the business side of film,” she said. “The program bridges creative passion with real-world industry skills, and that’s what makes it unique.”
Echoing the same sentiment, Allam noted, "The film industry in Egypt and the region is undergoing a rapid transformation, and with it comes a demand for talent who are not only creatively driven but also strategically equipped."
Moreover, the program is pushing the envelope in the ways that filmmaking skills are taught. Doaa Salem, senior director of outreach and partnerships at the SCE, said: “This program is designed to combine world-class mentorship from both Silver Screen and SCE’s strength in applied learning and professional development. We see this certificate as the first step in building a stronger, more resilient film ecosystem, and we’re committed to supporting its continued growth. This program is a testament to how education can unlock access to new careers, empower local talent, and elevate industry standards in Egypt and beyond.”
Photo captions: top: Co-founders of the Silver Screen Film School Octavian Dăncilă, a Romanian senior film programmer, and Mariam Hamdy ’06, ’14; bottom: Inaugural cohort of Egypt's first Film Industry Business Certificate, offered by AUC's School of Continuing Education in collaboration with the international Silver Screen Film School in Romania
What Participants Have to Say
"When I heard about the certificate, I was truly thrilled. Most programs focus only on the creative or artistic side, but this one stood out by highlighting the business, sales and how to turn an idea into a real project. After joining, I found the program to be well-organized and structured in a logical way. It helped me go deeper into the film industry from a much-needed business perspective."
"I was so happy when I discovered this certificate. Seeing modules on pitching, funding, social media, and networking in the film business really caught my eye."
"When I heard about the certificate, I was really excited. I had studied filmmaking, but never learned the business side formally. I picked it up through experience at festivals and production houses. As filmmakers, we truly need this knowledge. Even though I was familiar with some modules, I gained so much from the opportunities, the generous and open discussions, and the networking with both mentors and fellow participants. I just wish the program had been longer!"
"When I saw the announcement on Instagram, I was surprised — in the best way — that such important subjects could be taught by actual professionals from the industry. I didn’t hesitate to join. The organizers were incredibly supportive, and the mentors — especially in production, marketing and film distribution — exceeded my expectations. You truly brought in the best people, and they shared their knowledge so generously. I only wish the program had been longer for an even richer experience. Overall, it was a very positive and rewarding journey, and I’m looking forward to expanding my knowledge even more through the internship opportunities."
