Fatema Yasser, a multidisciplinary Egyptian filmmaker and visual artist, recently made waves at the 45th Cairo International Film Festival with the world premiere of her poignant short film, LAST NIGHTS OF SUMMER, which follows cousins Farah, Rana, and Leila as they return to their childhood home in Jordan two years after their grandfather’s passing, serving as a heartfelt love letter to Yasser’s own roots, allowing her to bid farewell to cherished memories and the time spent with family.
The narrative unfolds in a deeply personal manner, reflecting Yasser’s desire to convey the bittersweet truth that life is ever-evolving. “With LAST NIGHTS OF SUMMER, I wanted to highlight the heavy truth that nothing ever stays the same,” she explains.
“Life evolves, and the things we once held dear won’t last with us forever. There’s a certain pain that comes with change, one that lingers. Yet, on the other hand, there’s a certain beauty in it — an undertone of hope that everything making it harder to breathe won’t last forever as well.”
Starring the talented Tara Emad — known for her roles in popular TV hits and blockbuster films like Karim Abdel Aziz’s BEIT EL RUBY, which held the title of the highest-grossing Egyptian film at the time of its release — Shahd El Shater, and Farah Aboughattas, LAST NIGHTS OF SUMMER resonates with audiences on multiple levels, exploring themes of longing and mourning over lost times and loved ones who are no longer around, while simultaneously celebrating new memories and relationships that emerge in life’s journey.
Yasser’s artistic journey began with her studies in applied sciences and arts at the German University in Cairo, and she is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Cinematography at FAMU in Prague.
Before LAST NIGHTS OF SUMMER, she garnered experience as a cinematographer and director across a diverse array of projects. Her repertoire includes music videos like EL DONIA BTA3TY for Lella Fadda and NEBU with music producer Ziad Gadou and co-directer Beshoy Kaldas. Her animated music videos — MASRA7 GAREEMA, SHE’S IN BLACK, and LEGENDS FOR SONGS OF PETRICHOR — also showcase her versatility and creative vision.
As a Director of Photography, Fatema has contributed to advertisements such as JOLY OPTICS for Ali Anas, and her short films include INTO THE LIGHT by Umi Ito, BAD BLOOD by Jenny Tsamakou, and THE AWFUL TASK OF LIVING, which she directed herself. Her documentary work, featuring projects like HOME AT HEART by Umi Ito and A BUTTERFLY HUG by Sally Abobasha, further illustrates her commitment to storytelling through varied mediums.
Fatema’s films are characterized by their exploration of the human condition, often capturing complex relationships and emotions through frozen moments in time. She also showcased her photography in exhibitions LIKE UNTOLD STORIES ABOUT EVERYTHING and NOTHING at Photopia in Cairo, reflecting her multifaceted approach to art.
Through her unique perspectives and emotional storytelling, Fatema Yasser continues to push the boundaries of visual art and film, captivating audiences around the world. With LAST NIGHTS OF SUMMER, she invites viewers to reflect on the beauty of change and the enduring essence of love and memory, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of contemporary cinema.
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