Mona Zaki's *Flight 404* Chosen to Represent Egypt at the 2025 Academy Awards
Egyptian actress Mona Zaki and the Egyptian Film Syndicate have officially announced that the film *Flight 404* will represent Egypt in the Best International Feature Film category at the 2025 Academy Awards. This exciting news marks a significant step for Egyptian cinema on the global stage.
A High-Profile Cast and Storyline
*Flight 404*, directed by Hani Khalifa and written by Mohamed Ragaa, brings together a stellar cast, including Mona Zaki, Mohamed Farag, Mohamed Mamdouh, and Shereen Reda. The film centers around Ghada, a woman grappling with an urgent financial crisis just days before her Hajj pilgrimage. In her moment of desperation, Ghada must confront her past and seek help from individuals she had distanced herself from, creating a deeply emotional and intense narrative.
Egypt’s Official Submission for the Oscars
As Egypt’s official submission, *Flight 404* will now have the opportunity to compete for a spot on the Oscar shortlist. If successful, it could be nominated for the prestigious Academy Award for Best International Feature Film, an achievement that would be monumental for Egyptian cinema.
Academy Awards Timeline
The 97th Academy Awards are set to take place on 3 March 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Key dates in the Oscar process have already been announced, with the final nominations expected to be revealed on 17 January 2025.
Egypt’s Long Journey to the Oscars
While this is not Egypt’s first submission to the Academy Awards, the country has yet to take home the coveted Oscar. Egypt has a rich history of participation in the Best International Feature Film category but continues to strive for a win. Last year, the film *Voy Voy Voy!* featuring Mohamed Farag was Egypt’s submission but did not make it to the final list of nominees.
Finally
The selection of *Flight 404* is a significant moment for both the filmmakers and Egyptian cinema. If the film secures a nomination, it could pave the way for greater recognition of Egyptian films on the global stage. With Mona Zaki leading the cast and a strong storyline, *Flight 404* has the potential to bring Egypt closer to its first Academy Award win.
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