Short+Sweet Dubai 2024

1. DON’T HANG UP

A suspenseful tale of two women, unraveling unforeseen events during a fateful conversation, exploring tension and unexpected twists.

Writer: Sam Graber

Director: Theia Jain & Sayesha Ghosh

Cast: Rania Tahiri (Little Y) & Sarah Potter (Big T)

2. CHICKEN SECRET RECIPE 

As a loving family powers away to discover the perfect way to cook a chicken, Maryiem will learn important life lessons.

Writer: Ahmed Alluaibi

Director: Ahmed Alluaibi

Cast: Nikhil Asnani (Hamad), Zahraa Yousif (Sara), Georgie Lightford (Maryiem) & Ibrahem Jafar (Adam)

3. A VERY SCARY DAY

A 40 year old man faces a very difficult day in which he discovers many truths that completely change his life. Will he survive this scary day?

Writer: Ramy Magdy

Director: Ramy Magdy

Cast: Medhat Mustafa (Anis), Peter Mamdouh (Manager), Hanan Dahlab (Mother), Jennifer Schmidt (Receptionist) & Karim Ramy (Child)

4. EVERYONE HAS FLAWS, YOU JUST HAPPEN TO KNOW MINE

Get ready to know Carol's universe, a writer juggling love and perfectionism. As her relationships unfold, it's a relatable dive into life's imperfections and the pursuit of creative fulfillment. A captivating story that hits close to home!

Writer: Kethy Kist

Director: Paulo Sloboda

Cast: Kethy Kist (Carol), Chineme Prince (Nicolas), Tamiha Mitally (Sarah), Victor Sant'annah (Delivery Guy) & Zara Star (Lara)

5. WILL’S DRAMATURG

They say that a dramaturg is the playwright's best friend... In the case of William Shakespeare, maybe not.

Writer: Rich Rubin

ITC: H72 Productions

Director: Advika Goenka

Cast: Amit Vikram Ghosh (Shakespeare) & Dee Gee (Todd)

6.  MOVIE MAGIC 

In a comedy of errors, struggling screenwriter Rishi wishes his life could be more like the movies. However, he gets more than he bargained for.

Writer: Nihal M Sayed

ITC: Prologue Productions

Director: Nihal M Sayed & Norby Ramirez

Cast: Smriti Shanbhag (Pallavi), Nishkka Paul (Anjali), Ria Banerji (Seema) & Nihal M. Sayed (Rishi)

7.  THE GERMAN PLAY 

The leads have dropped out. The play is in German. The actors aren't. What could go wrong?

Writer: Ken Levine

ITC: Studio Republik

Director: Ensemble

Cast: Alina Wuievemeyer (Actor 1/Man) & Lola Lotte Pannier (Actor 2/Woman)

8. THE MASKED MAN

Praket is a person suffering with split personalities and he kidnaps his own daughter to get his split to kill his childhood enemies

Writer: Swarit Rohan Maheshwari

Director: Swarit Rohan Maheshwari

Cast: Swarit Rohan Maheshwari (Praket and S), Kovidh Verma (Kovidh and Vikram), Dvetaa Thaker (Dvetaa) & Saanvi Agarwal (Saanvi and Sanika)

9. LOVE BITES

A decade after last seeing each other, chance reunites Jimmy, who was enamored with his best friend Leila. Their unexpected encounter brings up buried emotions, sparking a complex reunion.

Writer: Gaby Milky

ITC: Once In A Blue Moon

Director: Justin de Casterle

Cast: Sadiq Saboowala (Jimmy) & Caroline Albrecht (Leila)

10. BOTTOM OF THE ORDER

Violence lives in this house. Love once did. Somewhere in between, a boy became a man, and finally pushes back.

Writer:  Victoria Z Daly

ITC: Cross Bronx Crew

Directors: Jay Nagjee

Cast: Satya Baskaran (Child) and Amit Vikram Ghosh (Dad)

1. BENEFITS

A young woman attempts to apply for Newstart allowance, but is bemused by the bizarre antics of the Centrelink employees.

Writer: Lisa Walmsley

ITC: The Junction Academy

Director: Ensemble

Cast: Esraa Mowafy (Ginny), Guru Prasad (Peter), Swapna Rajan (Melanie), Sheena Dogra (Annie) & Diaeldeen Abd Elfattah (Dave)

2. THE WISHING MENU

The patrons of a restaurant are in for a surprise with a special menu that grants wishes in an unforeseen and literal manner, causing first delight and then chaos. A satirical look at human desires and the consequences of getting exactly what we wish for.

Writer: Priya Pinto

Director: Priya Pinto

Cast: Shimoli Shenoy (Waitress), Wilbur D’Costa (Chris), Shenaaz Kasmani (Shen), Arunraj S (Guru), Suraj Tuluri (Suraj), Shilpa Sen (Angie), Nayef Khatib (Birthday Boy)

3. QUIZZICAL

A televised children's quiz show takes an unexpected turn. A story about general knowledge, friendship and pineapples.

Writer: Ensemble

ITC: Fresco Formations

Director: Ensemble

Cast: Mia Garancini (Olive), Mariana Grandas Vera (Gabriella), Asia Sofia Favretto (Lucy) & Melis Soltay (Naz)

4. NAMELESS

A war torn, hell bent Eldorian man confronts a sheltered Sylvian minister in a dark, undisclosed location. The dialogue between them unfolds complex, yet haunting truths from both sides in a seemingly never ending battle.

Writer: Nihal M Sayed

ITC: Prologue Productions

Director: Obaidin8er

Cast: Antonios Agiovlasitis (Alon Sharett), Nihal M. Sayed (Nameless)

5. THE TRUE SIDE

A mesmerizing tale of a diverse group ensnared within the fabric of time, caught in an enigmatic loop that resets itself endlessly. Each day unfolds like the last, with subtle nuances marking its repetition. In their struggle to break free, these individuals delve into the mysteries of their cyclical existence.

Writer: Amro Eltayeb

Director: Amro Eltayeb

Cast: Mohaned Mubark, Mohhamed Talha, Yousra Ahmad, Musab Mohhamed, Rania Ali & Amro Eltayeb            

6. A WOMAN NEVER FORGIVES FAILURE

The play delves into the complex relationship between Maryam and Adam, marked by artistic failure and emotional turmoil. Adam, harboring deep despair, enters Maryam's room with a dead bird, initiating a series of events that challenge the boundaries between love and darkness.

Writer: Anton Chekov

ITC: Laboratory Theatre

Director: Hasnain Raza

Cast: Yawar Khanji (Adam) & Kaira Dhanak (Maryam)

7.  MY ONE THING 

Mia has all the love in the world from her perfect fiancé, his father, and her bestie. But her past seeks to sabotage it all.

Writer: Amanda Mpofu

Director: Amanda Mpofu

Cast: Lizmari Van De Merwe (Mia), Jakub Chmelar (Messi), Rosella Age (Azari), Roland Roth (Avi), Chineme Prince (Arioch), Sandeep George (Muzan) & Freda Smith (Birsha)

8.  FAMILY MATTERS

A woman reminisces about her poignant childhood, unraveling bittersweet memories that shaped her resilience, exploring loss, and ultimately embracing the strength within.

Writer: Kayé de Kataba

Director: Kayé de Kataba

Cast: Marie Alice Drissi (Woman & Little Sister)

9. MAD LIB(ERATION)          

What happens when our words are kidnapped? When we don’t say what we mean or mean what we say? When we have no control over language? Or have we ever?

Writer: Clement Shen & Chaz Strickland

Director: Clement Shen

Cast: Alisa Haoken (Number 2) & Deborah Sisay (Number 1)

10. LA MOUCHE DEUX

In this sequel to the 2022 Short+Sweet festival winner, a man visits a French restaurant on the biggest day of his life. His simple request is complicated by the two waiters working there.

Writer:  Stephen Bittrich

ITC: H72 Productions

Directors: Akansha Goenka

Cast: Sadiq Saboowala (Pierre), Patrick Albrect (Jacques), Ziyad Bangara (Man), Jihane S Tehini (Woman)

1. YOU HAVE A NEW NOTIFICATION (ARABIC)

A couple has been married for five years, but they do not have children, even though there is no medical reason preventing them from having children. They try in many ways to have a child.

Writer: Ramy Magdy

Director: Ensemble

Cast: Ezz El-Din Omar (Husband), Marah (Wife), Mohamed Mamdouh Shika (Akroush) & Rogina (Doctor)

2. MERI KAHANI MERA SACH (HINDI)

There are stories that are told and then there are stories that need to be told. This story is latter. Meghna falls in love with someone and finally gathers courage to say that she is in love. What happened next, she tells us through this beautiful memoire.

Writer: Swastika Rajput

ITC: Theatrewallas

Director: Prakash Soni

Cast: Meghna Gupta (Meghna)

3. LIVE BROADCASTING (ARABIC)

A celebrity has arrived at the general hospital to deliver her first baby, with all the news networks and social media covering the event, what could possibly happen?

Writer: Mahmoud Basyoni

Director: Mahmoud Basyoni

Cast: Lara Tanous (Reporter), Tork Alkhattam (Videographer), Marah Merie (Celebrity), Issa Daadaa (Assistant), Bana Bilal (Doctor), Maram Saad (Dancer), Tilad Alkelani (Dancer), Kenana Shikh Othman (Dancer) & Jamal Tourkmani (Dancer)

4. FIST FULL OF DUST (ARABIC)

A family is suffering the consequences of a traumatic incident. A wife struggles to leave her home where she doesn’t believe she belongs too anymore, and her debate with her husband which has an opposite opinion about leaving.

Writer: Eliane Germanos

ITC: Elo Shades      

Director: Osman Abou Bakr

Cast: Eliane Germanos (Mrs. Rana), Elie Choufani (Mr. Isam) & Eman Azzeh (Nurse)         

5. LA SIGNORA DELLE CAMELIE (THE LADY OF CAMELLIAS) (ITALIAN)

In a wacky twist, a film dubber steps into Count Duval's shoes, only to suffer a memory meltdown! With lines lost in the abyss, Spartacus, the prompter, tries to help him but Count Duval, misunderstanding, turns the drama into a comedy, unleashing a barrage of hilariously mistaken phrases.

Writer: G. Proietti

ITC: ITACA

Director: Michela Contini

Cast: Francesca Bizzarri (Margherita), Michela Contini (Josephine), Fabrizio Morello (Spartaco), Walid Mulla Niazi (Conte Duval), Goffredo Puccetti (Conte Duval Padre) & Nicola Spadoni (Dottore)

6.  WHAT WHERE (MADHA AAYN) (ARABIC)

As awareness grows, perceptions of beginnings and endings shift. Becoming lost without meaning of place or time, in a chaotic empty void, man craves existence.

Writer: Samuel Beckett

Director: Fady Gerges

Cast: Omar Rashed (BOM), Salima Dhaibi (BAM), Soukaina Fawzy (BEM) & Mohamed Aldashti (BOM)

7.  SHE WAS HERE (ARABIC)

After he finished sculpting her statue, Pygmalion asked Venus to breathe life into it. Despite Apollo's refusal, Venus agreed to give Galatea a new soul. Afterward, Pygmalion finds out that he might be able to own the body, but it is impossible to own the soul.

Writer: Hossam Abdelaziz

ITC: Arabestic

Director: Hossam Abdelaziz

Cast: Hossam Abdelaziz (Pygmalion), Emy Adel (Galatea), Kaselia El Faham (Venus), Mina Sedky (Apollo) & Mohamed Basiouny (Narcissus)

8. MONER ANDHARE – SCARS OF THE MIND (BENGALI)

The play deals with the seldom addressed need for prioritizing mental health. In this day and age where most subjects are discussed and dealt with openly the issue of mental health is still considered taboo. High time that this taboo is broken and we get help when needed.

Writer: Chaitali Tiwary

ITC: The Third Eye Theater Group

Director: Shubo Bannerjee

Cast: Sudhir Choudhury (Father), Kamalika Coudhury (Mother), Saunak Choudhury (Son), Dr.Abhay Moitra (Psychiatrist) & Maya Moitra (Wife of Psychiatrist)

9. THE BEAR (ARABIC)

At the core of this play is that deep understanding, recognition and acceptance of our differences is the key to overcoming the complexities of life. Join the journey as acceptance becomes a bridge to a more harmonious existence, proving that our diversity is not just a choice, but a necessity for a richer, more connected human experience.

Writer: Anton Chekov

ITC: Prologue Productions

Directors: Sara Asil

Cast: Yousra Ait Kebrone (Louka), Nada Raad (Popova), Ahmed Elsaghier (Smirnov) & Qais Hakeem (Musician)

10.  SHILPKAAR (HINDI)

"Shilpkaar" is an emotionally charged play that delves into an inspiring relationship between a father and son. The story explores themes of sacrifice, dreams, passion and the power of determination.

Writer: Mukul Singh & Rashmi Zafran; concept by Kiran Jhamnani

Director: Pranav Ravindra Dalvi

Cast: Kiyan Patel (Young Swami), Shashank Kulal (Appa) & Darsh Jhamnani (Elder Swami)

11.  DÉJÀ VU (ARABIC)

In the city garden, a man and a woman met by coincidence and found themselves captivated by a peculiar sense of déjà vu. Things get worse when they struggled to find out where exactly they met.

Writer: Walid Kowatli based on The Bald Soprano by Eugene Ionesco

ITC: Elo Shades

Director: Walid Kowatli

Cast: Eliane Germanos (Mrs. Zakiya Rateb) & Rami Zeidan (Mr. Zaki Rateb)

1. THE SITUATION

Things are getting weird. A group of school kids get detention when a science project for World Environment Day gets a little out of hand.

Writer: Ensemble

ITC: Fresco Formation

Director: Ensemble

Cast: Julian Pivec (Liam), Charline Hosni (Alex), Zoe Hobeika (Alex), Damir Salikhov (Denis), Asia Sofia Favretto (Lucy) & Dariush Hami (Hashem/Mr Rohan)

2.  THE NEXT STOP

In one short bus ride, two strangers discover the bond of a lifetime.

Writer: Donna Hughes

ITC: Studio Republik

Director: Ensemble

Cast:  Ayrton Kimble (Lou) & Pera Soydan (Brigitte)

3. SAVE THE DATE

A g̶l̶o̶b̶a̶l̶ heart-warming tale of a Botanist, who battles the absurdities of modern society's approach to climate change while navigating his own life, which is as extinct as some of the plants he adores.

Writer: Dakshin Adyanthaya

Director: Rayana Pandey

Cast:  Dakshin Adyanthaya (Botanist)

4. SAVE THE TURTLES

The only remaining Husband and wife on earth, spending their last moments between desperation and hope.

Writer: Carrie McCrossen

ITC: Arabestic   

Director: Noha Mostafa

Cast: Mohamed El Sawi (Husband), Noha Mostafa (Wife), Ahmed Barakat (Narrator) & Wesam Mohammed (Muscian)

5. HAND CLUBBED BABY SEAL

A wedding reception. A loving ceremony. A weird-ass menu.

Writer: Ron Capps

ITC: Studio Republik

Director: Ensemble

Cast: Tamilla Ismailova (Avery), Maiya Anoshko (Jordan), Olivia Millman (Parker) & Alisa Anoshko (Taylor)

6. INTELLIGENT LIFE?

As the world is at the brink, alien life finally decides to visit Earth. But is all alien life truly intelligent?

Writer: Paul Keel

ITC: The Junction Academy

Director: Ensemble

Cast: Jivaj (Mate), Advait (Duplicate), Shristi (Diana), Aditya (Jack), Zoya (Teresa) & Hansika (Rebecca)

7. HIGH WATER LINE

A room rapidly filling with water pushes a mother and daughter to hash out their differences and survive.

Writer: Victoria Z Daly

ITC: Studio Republik

Director: Satya Baskaran

Cast: Aaralyn Katiela (Abby) & Bea-Mari Morales (Elise)

8. REPARATIONS

2053, three young people are in a court waiting room. Climate justice is needed, but who is on trial and who will pay the costs?

Writer: Rebecca Taylor Al-Samaraie

Directors: Rebecca Taylor Al-Samaraie

Cast: Charlie Cameron Webster (Journalist), Lily Zahwa Khamizan (Academic) & Carlos Páez González (Witness)

9.  WHEN THE BIRDS FLY AWAY (URDU)

The effects of global warming force a farmer to give up his land and become a factory worker. After trespassing on another farmer's land, he finds that the birds he adores so much are destroying the farmer’s crops. To survive, a tough choice must be made

Writer: Maha Hasan

ITC: H72 Productions

Director: Chandni Varma

Cast: Rahul Taneja (Old Man) & Ahmed Syed (Young Man)

10.  RITADITASITA

Welcome to RitaDitaSita Sisterhood, where three sisters with three distinct visions embark on a quest to save the world. Will they agree on the future of humanity or are we all doomed?

Writer: Jad Srour

ITC: Complice

Director: Jihane S Tehini

Cast: Leila Oggar (Dita), Arezoo Sharifi (Sita), Jihane S Tehini (Rita)

1. THE VIEW FROM THE TOP

Can sisters Anna and Sarah put decades of sibling rivalry behind them and finally make their mum happy?

Writer: Louise Hopewell

ITC: The Junction Academy

Director: Ensemble

Cast: Sheena Dogra (Anna) & Ria Samuel (Sarah)

2.  ONCE UPON A TIME

"Jack and Jill went up the hill..." but they are not living happily ever after! Jill is okay but Jack is unhappy and wants a change. So along with their friend Simple Simon, they embark upon an adventure to see what is “out there” and discover ways to change their destinies forever.

Writer: Joe Bergin

ITC: Zara Stars Production

Director: Ensemble

Cast:  Ghaith Adhami (Simon), Nyx Ortiz (Jack) & Maria Salumae (Jill)

3. HANSEL & GRETEL

A deliciously dark re-telling of the Grimm fairy tale.

Writer: Brothers Grimm

ITC: Fresco Formation

Director: Ensemble

Cast:  Gemish Bhagchandani (Father), Beatrix D'Arcy (Mother / Witch), Maxim Zyryanov (Hansel) & Anoushka Pinto (Gretel)

4. BARBIE & KEN(DRA)

Barbie is engaged to the “man of her dreams”. Her fiancée is meeting the fam for the first time. But will her snooty Mom and plastic-fantastic sister Chelsea approve of the match?

Writer: Laurie Allen

Director: Sarah Potter & Rasheed Hattab

Cast: Kehkashan Anand (Barbie), Sumaya Kubeisy (Mom), Vicky Clips (Chelsea) & Rasheed Hattab (Ken)

5. ALIENATION

The Galactic Beauty Pageant is the greatest spectacle on earth. But when the aliens realize their exclusion from the event, all space breaks loose.

Writer: Gaby Milky

ITC: Blinktonasia

Director: Gaby Milky

Cast: Razane Siblini (Nobody), Nicholas Toubia (Denial), Charbel Dahdouh (Bargaining), Karen Clayton (Anger), Maryam Nsaif (Depression) & Gaby Milky (Acceptance)

6. NORMALITY

"If it's destroying you, then it isn't love, my dear". Sometimes maybe it can be...

Writer: Donatella Parise

Director: Maria Gregoric

Cast: Michel Nassar (Richard) & Maria Gregoric (Liz)

7. DON’T GET COURT

Childhood sweethearts Vicki and Teddy and going through a divorce. Dividing up personal belongings is not a pleasant thing to go through, particularly when then arbiters have other plans.

Writer: Doug Mackay

ITC: Raindance Film School

Director: Matthew T Corbett

Asst Director: Ellen Dennis

Cast: Aleeza Mogul (Vicki), Manav Aware (Teddy), Rania Tahiri (Ruth) & Dariya Smolina (Anna)

8. A CRIMINAL MIND

It seems like the perfect plan. Hold them hostage, threaten them with torture, extort money. But the torturer is running late and sends his accountant in his place…. and the accountant has other plans!

Writer: Paula Armstrong

ITC: Zara Stars Production

Directors: Ensemble

Cast: Anastasiya Fiodarava (Carter), Maria Salumae (The Woman), Ghaith Adhami (The Man), Nyx Ortiz (Norman)

9.  MOVIE NIGHT

Husband and wife watching a movie, when an absurd question about marriage pops up.

Writer: Carrie McCrossen

ITC: Arabestic

Director: Noha Mostafa

Cast: Mohamed El Sawi (Husband) & Noha Mostafa (Wife), Ahmed Hossam (Son)

10.  JOYRIDE

In 1933, aviator Amelia Earhart and friend First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, left a formal White House dinner to take a flight, a joy ride, together. Joy Ride explores an historic moment in the friendship of the two pioneering women.

Writer: Arianna Rose

ITC: Cross Bronx Crew         

Director: Omid Honari

Cast: Pareeshay Irfan (Eleanor Roosevelt) & Smriti Anantya (Amelia Earhart)

11.  WHAT A PITCH!

Two enterprising Emirati women embark on a venture together. But will their plan of getting investors to sing to their tune work, or will it backfire?

Writer: Ahmed Al Suwaidi

ITC: Prologue Productions

Director: Ahmed Al Suwaidi

Cast: Sarah Al Shehhi (Zainab), Safiya Al Sheikh Ali (Maryam), Joseph Tertarian (Joe), Menna El Bashary (Investor), Leila Adham (Investor) & Ksenia Klubova (Investor)

1. I OR YOU

A guy and a girl meet at a certain point in life, when both have lost hope and faith that eternal love is possible…Do you think so?

Writer: Peter Ragai

ITC: Prologue Productions

Director: Peter Ragai

Cast: Jennifer Schmidt (The Girl) & Peter Ragai (The Guy)

2.  1939

It’s the middle of the night in France in the summer of 1939. There are four suspects, a dead body, and some guy playing detective. It’s a bloody whodunnit!

Writer: Raya Srikumar

ITC: The Greenroom

Director: Meghana Srikumar

Cast:  Satya Baskaran (Man), Romina Satvatmanesh (Spy), Tábata López (Waitress), Zachariah Manyapye (Scientist), Yuvraj Mathrani (Chaplin) & Raya Srikumar (Busker)

3. ART

What happens when Momzillas are put in charge of the school art competition?

Writer: Steve Martin

Director: Sumaya Kubeisy

Cast:  Freda Smith (Mrs. Karen Shufflebottom), Gabriela Ioana (Mrs. Karen Poopesca) , Sarah Potter (Mrs. Caroline Kerry), Gaia Veroli (Emily Smith) & Vittoria Menegazzi (Giovanna Rossi)

4. ANTIDOTE

Selfish or selfless, what is the definition of love in a family?

Writer: Neeraj Purohit & Pururava Rao

ITC: Theatrewallas

Director: Prakash Soni

Cast: Rahul Taneja (Father), Veena Kewalramani (Sister) & Dushyant Barot (Brother)

5. BRAVE PEOPLE

It takes brave people to wait in an existential situation

Writer: Allan Staples

Director: Michel Nassar

Cast: Michel Nassar (Ben) & Marija Gregoric (Nicole)

6. SEVEN CHILDREN

A play for Gaza

Writer: Caryl Churchill

ITC: Argan Bedaya (Kuwait)

Director: Alex Broun

Cast: Abdulwahab Alhaji (E), Kawthar Alhamar (B), Jennifer Cádiz (A), Jerome Noronha (C), Basil Rizvi (F), Mariam Sulaiman (D)

7. THERE’S A ZOMBIE IN THE GARDEN, FRANK!

It’s the zombie apocalypse and yet, Frank and Claire can’t stop bickering…

Writer: Greg Gould

ITC: Dubai Drama Group (DDG)

Director: Kirin Hilliar

Cast: John Thekanady (Frank) & Jennifer Mauerhofer (Claire)

8. LIVING ON THE EDGE

A play for the Earth!

Writer: Cary Pepper

ITC: Argan Bedaya (Kuwait)

Directors: Ensemble

Cast: Abdulwahab Alhaji (A Black Rhino), Kawthar Alhamar (A Sumatran Elephant), Jennifer Cádiz (A Mountain Gorilla), Jerome Noronha (A Man), Basil Rizvi (A Bald Eagle) & Mariam Sulaiman (A Snow Leopard)

9.  ON AIR

Its just another show on the radio where everything seems to be all fun and games. But is it really the case?

Writer: Asad Raza Khan

ITC: Tall Tales Productions

Director: Asad Raza Khan

Cast: Sid Sivaprakash (Radio Jockey)

10.  TWO ARTISTS TRYING TO PAY THEIR BILL

When two artists discover the hottest five-star restaurant has jacked up its prices, the pair must find a creative way to pay their bill.

Writer: Lucy Wang

ITC: American School of Dubai          

Director: Nicole Bryant, Melissa Detian & Liz Strootman

Cast: Matylda Ploska (The Owner), Charisse Chung (Chen) & Anandita Nevrekar (Wang)

11.  LIONHEART

An estranged father and son reunite at the mother's hospital bed

Writer: James Cuningham & 'Lionheart' song written by Gaby Milky

ITC: Fresco Formations

Director: James Cuningham

Cast: Gaby Milky (Lionel), James Cuningham (Bill) & Zoe Hobeika (Kai)

12.  THE CHEQUE

Make sure to have a valid credit, in order to be ready to pay the cheque

Writer: Mohamed Elkholy & Adapted by Mohamed El Sawi

ITC: Arabestic

Director: Ensemble

Cast: Mohamed El Shewy (Amjad), Medhat Mostafa (Manager) Mostafa Negm (Waiter 1), Ahmed Negm (Waiter 2) & Kaselia El Faham (Friend's Wife)

1. SAVE THE TURTLES

Husband and wife at their last debate about the end of the world.

Writer: Mohamed El Sawi

ITC: Arabestic

Director: Mohamed El Sawi

Cast: Mohamed El Sawi (Husband), Noha Mostafa (Wife), Ahmed Barakat (Narrator) & Wesam Mohammed (Muscian)

2. THE WISHING MENU

The patrons of a restaurant are in for a surprise with a special menu that grants wishes in an unforeseen and literal manner, causing first delight and then chaos. A satirical look at human desires and the consequences of getting exactly what we wish for.

Writer: Priya Pinto

Director: Priya Pinto & Kat Kinsella

Cast: Shimoli Shenoy (Waitress), Wilbur D’Costa (Chris), Shenaaz Kasmani (Shen), Arunraj S (Guru), Suraj Tuluri (Suraj), Shilpa Sen (Angie), Nayef Khatib (Birthday Boy)

3. ART

What happens when Momzillas are put in charge of the school art competition?

Writer: Steve Martin

Director: Sumaya Kubeisy

Cast:  Freda Smith (Mrs. Karen Shufflebottom), Gabriela Ioana (Mrs. Karen Poopesca) , Sarah Potter (Mrs. Caroline Kerry), Gaia Veroli (Emily Smith) & Vittoria Menegazzi (Giovanna Rossi)

4. NAMELESS

A war torn, hell bent Eldorian man confronts a sheltered Sylvian minister in a dark, undisclosed location. The dialogue between them unfolds complex, yet haunting truths from both sides in a seemingly never ending battle.

Writer: Nihal M Sayed

ITC: Prologue Productions

Director: Obaidin8er

Cast: Antonios Agiovlasitis (Alon Sharett), Nihal M. Sayed (Nameless)

5. SHILPKAAR (HINDI)

"Shilpkaar" is an emotionally charged play that delves into an inspiring relationship between a father and son. The story explores themes of sacrifice, dreams, passion and the power of determination.

Writer: Mukul Singh & Rashmi Zafran; concept by Kiran Jhamnani

Director: Pranav Ravindra Dalvi

Cast: Kiyan Patel (Young Swami), Shashank Kulal (Appa) & Darsh Jhamnani (Elder Swami)

6. A VERY SCARY DAY

A 40 year old man faces a very difficult day in which he discovers many truths that completely change his life. Will he survive this scary day?

Writer: Ramy Magdy

Director: Ramy Magdy

Cast: Medhat Mustafa (Anis), Peter Mamdouh (Manager), Hanan Dahlab (Mother), Jennifer Schmidt (Receptionist) & Karim Ramy (Child)

7. FIST FULL OF DUST (ARABIC)

A family is suffering the consequences of a traumatic incident. A wife struggles to leave her home where she doesn’t believe she belongs too anymore, and her debate with her husband which has an opposite opinion about leaving.

Writer: Eliane Germanos

ITC: Elo Shades      

Director: Osman Abou Bakr

Cast: Eliane Germanos (Mrs. Rana), Elie Choufani (Mr. Isam) & Eman Azzeh (Nurse)         

8.  WILL’S DRAMATURG

They say that a dramaturg is the playwright's best friend... In the case of William Shakespeare, maybe not.

Writer: Rich Rubin

ITC: H72 Productions

Director: Advika Goenka

Cast: Amit Vikram Ghosh (Shakespeare) & Dee Gee (Todd)

9.  MOVIE NIGHT

Husband and wife watching a movie, when an absurd question about marriage pops up.

Writer: Carrie McCrossen

ITC: Arabestic

Director: Noha Mostafa

Cast: Mohamed El Sawi (Husband) & Noha Mostafa (Wife), Ahmed Hossam (Son)

10.  RITADITASITA

Welcome to RitaDitaSita Sisterhood, where three sisters with three distinct visions embark on a quest to save the world. Will they agree on the future of humanity or are we all doomed?

Writer: Jad Srour

ITC: Complices

Director: Jihane S Tehini

Cast: Leila Oggar (Sita), Arezoo Sharifi (Dita), Jihane S Tehini (Rita)

Choregraphy: Chineme Prince

11.  THERE’S A ZOMBIE IN THE GARDEN, FRANK!

It’s the zombie apocalypse and yet, Frank and Claire can’t stop bickering…

Writer: Greg Gould

ITC: Dubai Drama Group (DDG)

Director: Kirin Hilliar

Cast: John Thekanady (Frank) & Jennifer Mauerhofer (Claire)

12. ALIENATION

The Galactic Beauty Pageant is the greatest spectacle on earth. But when the aliens realize their exclusion from the event, all space breaks loose.

Writer: Gaby Milky

ITC: Blinktonasia

Director: Gaby Milky

Cast: Razane Siblini (Nobody), Nicholas Toubia (Denial), Charbel Dahdouh (Bargaining), Karen Clayton (Anger), Maryam Nsaif (Depression) & Gaby Milky (Acceptance)

1. BARBIE & KEN(DRA)

Barbie is engaged to the “man of her dreams”. Her fiancée is meeting the fam for the first time. But will her snooty Mom and plastic-fantastic sister Chelsea approve of the match?

Writer: Laurie Allen

Director: Sarah Potter

Cast: Kehkashan Anand (Barbie), Sumaya Kubeisy (Mom), Vicky Clips (Chelsea) & Rasheed Hattab (Ken)

2. A VERY SCARY DAY

A 40 year old man faces a very difficult day in which he discovers many truths that completely change his life. Will he survive this scary day?

Writer: Ramy Magdy

Director: Ramy Magdy

Cast: Medhat Mustafa (Anis), Peter Mamdouh (Manager), Hanan Dahlab (Mother), Jennifer Schmidt (Receptionist) & Karim Ramy (Child)

3. LIONHEART

An estranged father and son reunite at the mother's hospital bed

Writer: James Cuningham & 'Lionheart' song written by Gaby Milky

ITC: Fresco Formations

Director: James Cuningham

Cast: Gaby Milky (Lionel), James Cuningham (Bill) & Zoe Hobeika (Kai)

4. ART

What happens when Momzillas are put in charge of the school art competition?

Writer: Steven G Martin

Director: Sumaya Kubeisy

Cast:  Freda Smith (Mrs. Karen Shufflebottom), Gabriela Ioana (Mrs. Karen Poopesca) , Sarah Potter (Mrs. Caroline Kerry), Gaia Veroli (Emily Smith) & Vittoria Menegazzi (Giovanna Rossi)

5. FIST FULL OF DUST (ARABIC)

A family is suffering the consequences of a traumatic incident. A wife struggles to leave her home where she doesn’t believe she belongs too anymore, and her debate with her husband which has an opposite opinion about leaving.

Writer: Eliane Germanos

ITC: Elo Shades      

Director: Osman Aboubakr

Cast: Eliane Germanos (Woman), Elie Choufani (Man) & Eman Azzeh (Another Woman)

6. ALIENATION

The Galactic Beauty Pageant is the greatest spectacle on earth. But when the aliens realize their exclusion from the event, all space breaks loose.

Writer: Gaby Milky

ITC: Blinktonasia

Director: Gaby Milky

Cast: Razane Siblini (Nobody), Nicholas Toubia (Denial), Charbel Dahdouh (Bargaining), Lis Pinilla (Anger), Maryam Nsaif (Depression) & Gaby Milky (Acceptance)

7. LA SIGNORA DELLE CAMELIE (THE LADY OF CAMELLIAS) (ITALIAN)

In a wacky twist, a film dubber steps into Count Duval's shoes, only to suffer a memory meltdown! With lines lost in the abyss, Spartacus, the prompter, tries to help him but Count Duval, misunderstanding, turns the drama into a comedy, unleashing a barrage of hilariously mistaken phrases.

Writer: G. Proietti

ITC: ITACA

Director: Michela Contini

Cast: Francesca Bizzarri (Margherita), Michela Contini (Josephine), Lorenzo Dini (Doctor), Walid Mulla Niazi (Conte Duval), Goffredo Puccetti (Conte Duval Padre/The Father) & Nicola Spadoni (Spartaco)

8.  MOVIE MAGIC 

In a comedy of errors, struggling screenwriter Rishi wishes his life could be more like the movies. However, he gets more than he bargained for.

Writer: Nihal M Sayed

ITC: Prologue Productions

Director: Nihal M Sayed & Norby Ramirez

Cast: Smriti Shanbhag (Pallavi), Nishkka Paul (Anjali), Ria Banerji (Seema) & Nihal M. Sayed (Rishi)

9.  SHILPKAAR (HINDI)

"Shilpkaar" delves into emotional complexities of a father-son relationship where father had to adhere to the family's profession while the son prefers his passion. It unfolds with the son realizing importance of balancing passion and practicality for a fulfilling life.

Writer: Mukul Singh & Rashmi Zafran; concept by Kiran Jhamnani

Director: Pranav Ravindra Dalvi

Cast: Kiyan Patel (Young Swami), Shashank Kulal (Appa) & Darsh Jhamnani (Elder Swami)

10.  LA MOUCHE DEUX

In this sequel to the 2022 Short+Sweet festival winner, a man visits a French restaurant on the biggest day of his life. His simple request is complicated by the two waiters working there.

Writer:  Stephen Bittrich

ITC: H72 Productions

Directors: Akansha Goenka

Cast: Sadiq Saboowala (Pierre), Patrick Albrect (Jacques), Ziyad Bangara (Man), Jihane S Tehini (Woman)

11.  WHEN BIRDS FLY AWAY (URDU)

The effects of global warming force a farmer to give up his land and become a factory worker. After trespassing on another farmer's land, he finds that the birds he adores so much are destroying the farmer’s crops. To survive, a tough choice must be made

Writer: Maha Hasan

ITC: H72 Productions

Director: Chandni Varma

Cast: Rahul Taneja (Old Man) & Ahmed Syed (Young Man)