Discover the Heartwarming Journey of “Happy Birthday” – Egypt’s Oscar Submission for Best International Feature
This Oscar season, prepare to be enchanted by the touching tale of an eight-year-old maid in the upcoming film “Happy Birthday.” Directed and co-written by Sarah Goher, this coming-of-age drama marks her feature directorial debut and represents Egypt’s submission for the Best International Feature category at the 2026 Oscars. The film is produced by Jamie Foxx and features a talented cast, including newcomer Doha Ramadan, alongside renowned actors Nelly Karim, Hanan Motawie, Sherif Salama, and Aly Sobhy. Goher co-wrote the screenplay with her partner, Mohamed Diab, known for his work on Marvel’s Moon Knight and acclaimed films like Clash and Bus 671.
A Captivating Story with Universal Themes
“Happy Birthday” tells the story of Doha, a spirited young maid employed by an affluent family in Cairo. Determined to throw an unforgettable birthday party for her best friend, the employer’s daughter, Doha navigates the complexities of class, power, and belonging through the innocent lens of childhood. As highlighted in a preview for the 29th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF), the film will begin screening on Saturday, inviting audiences to reflect on these poignant issues.
The film had its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in June, where it garnered prestigious awards, including Best International Narrative Feature, Best Screenplay, and the Nora Ephron Award.
Inspired by Personal Experience
For Goher, the inspiration for the film stems from her own childhood experiences. Though she was born and raised in New York, her summers spent with her grandmother in Cairo introduced her to a world that would inspire her storytelling. “The only other kid my age in my grandma’s apartment was this little girl, and I thought she was part of my extended family,” Goher shared in an interview. Over time, she realized the girl was actually her grandmother’s maid, a realization that opened her eyes to the complexities of child labor in Egypt.
“Child labor is not permitted in Egypt, but there exists a gray area,” Goher explains. “This film aims to shed light on the children who often remain unseen in such situations.”
Finding the Perfect Lead
Casting the right young actress was crucial for the film’s success. Goher and her team conducted an extensive search, using platforms like Facebook and TikTok to find the perfect fit. They organized an audition at the Cairo Opera House, where they met with 60 girls dressed uniformly to eliminate any socio-economic biases.
Young Doha Ramadan stood out during the auditions with her confidence and creativity. “She has an incredible ability to tell stories,” says Goher. “I realized that the best young actors are often the best storytellers.” Throughout the filming process, Goher collaborated closely with Ramadan, ensuring that the young actress felt involved and understood her character.
Nurturing Talent Beyond the Screen
Goher wanted to ensure that Ramadan received support beyond her role in the film. Recognizing that the young actress did not know how to read before filming began, Goher arranged for a private tutor to help her learn. Additionally, she enrolled Ramadan in a gifted youth program at the Opera House, allowing her to explore her artistic talents further.
“I wanted her to see herself as an artist,” Goher explains. “In her socio-economic environment, the arts are not prioritized, and I was grateful for her family’s support throughout this journey.”
A Film to Remember
“Happy Birthday” is more than just a film; it’s a heartfelt exploration of childhood, dreams, and resilience. Goher hopes that audiences will connect with Doha’s character, finding joy in her story, much like those who initially may not have been interested in children. “Doha doesn’t dwell on the hardships of her life; she simply wants to live it fully, and that’s a message we all need to embrace,” Goher concludes.
As the film approaches its screening premiere, anticipation builds for its potential impact on audiences worldwide. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of “Happy Birthday.”
