Egyptian director Sarah Gohar has been named as part of Variety’s ’10 Directors to Watch’ list.
The list, compiled by renowned film critic Peter Debruge, a veteran film writer for Variety, highlights emerging writers, actors, producers, directors, cartoonists, and cinematographers from around the world.
The selected directors will be honored at a ceremony on January 3, 2026, at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, which features screenings, panel discussions, and parties from January 2-12.
Profiles of all 10 directors will be published in the December 31 print edition of Variety.
This list is among the most prominent indicators of emerging filmmakers. A decade ago, it included Sean Baker, whose film Anora won the Palme d’Or and later the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Goher’s whose name recently rose to prominence with the release of her film “Happy Birthday” (2025), starring Hanan Motawie, Nelly Karim, and Sherif Salama.
The film is set in Cairo, where eight-year-old Touha works as a maid in the home of a wealthy family.
As the family prepares to celebrate their daughter’s birthday, Touha experiences moments of hope and confusion when she mistakenly believes she is invited to the celebration.
