During the closing ceremony of the 5th Sharm El-Sheikh International Theatre Festival for Youth (SITFY), held from 16 to 20 November, the awards were distributed to the winners of each segment of the festival. Taking place at the Sharm El-Sheikh cultural palace on 20 November under strict preventive measures, the ceremony began with a music video produced by the festival, titled “Egypt Opens its Doors”, featuring singer Emad Kamal and the music of Karim Arafa. The festival's artistic director, Engy El-Bestawy, thanked everyone who believed in the festival and made its 5th edition possible despite all the challenges. SITFY's founder and president Mazen Al-Gharabawi expressed: "Many people are aware of the difficulties we had to overcome. I thank all the artists, sponsors, and everyone who extended their help." El-Gharabawi then distributed certificates of honour to the numerous figures who contributed to the execution of the festival; from the decision makers to the team of volunteers who supported the festival throughout the past weeks of preparation, and during the event itself. The Awards: Street and Non-Traditional Spaces Performances competition First prize: A Song on the Passage (Egypt), a performance by students from the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts, Cairo. Second prize: Hard Years (Libya). Jury appreciation award: Sinai Folklore (Egypt). Monodrama competition Best performance: Hamlet's Dream (Kosovo). Jury award for best actress: Nadine Khaled for her role in Maria's Portrait (Egypt). Large Performances competition Samy Abdel-Halim Award for Best Scenography: Glass Monsters (Egypt). Mohamed Sobhi Award for Best Director: Youssef Al-Asadi for the play Glass Monsters (Egypt). Mostafa Shaaban Award for Best Actor: Daniel Carrillo for his role in My Father is a Man (Spain). Amal Al-Dabbas Award for Best Actress: Given to Sherihan El-Shazly and Reem El-Masry for their roles in Glass Monsters (Egypt). Jury award: Isis (Egypt), directed and choreographed by Karima Bedair. Ahmed Sakhsoukh Playwright competition First long text winner: Abdo El-Husseini First short text winner: Mohamed Abdel-Rahman First monodrama text: Ahmed Abu Diab For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture
