ABOUT SARD
Sard, founded by screenwriter Mariam Naoum in 2015, has rapidly established itself as a leading writers' room and creative incubator for innovative ideas and major drama productions in the MENA region. Sard is committed to creating authentic Arabic storytelling that reflects pressing social issues and community aspirations through impactful screen projects.
In addition to its Writers’ Room, Sard has expanded in 2022 through Sard Learning, fostering education, talent development, and creative mentorship across Egypt and the Arab world, reinforcing its position as a hub for storytelling excellence. The company has also ventured into film production, bringing powerful narratives from script to screen and broadening its impact within the creative industry.
VISION
To establish Sard as the leading Arab storytelling hub that develops and produces socially relevant narratives, trains new generations of screenwriters, and produces world-class content through a unified network of sub-brands, impacting audiences in Egypt, the Gulf, and global audiences who are interested in Arabic productions.
MISSION
To create, nurture, and produce authentic, socially-driven stories that inspire empathy, challenge perspectives, and resonate with audiences locally and globally—through writing, production, and education.
Our Values
Awards
- Energy Cup for Drama
- Screenwriting Excellence Award — Mariam Naoum
- Best Series — Arab Drama Critics Awards
- Official honor from the Ministry of Social Solidarity
- Best Distinguished Drama Production — National Council for Human Rights
- Best Series (Critics’ Award — Best Arabic Drama) — Arab Drama Critics Awards
- Golden Award — Best Social Series (Arab Radio & Television Festival, Tunisia).
- Drama Excellence Award — National Council for Human Rights (Egypt).
- Best Series/Author (Sard Writers’ Room) — Audience Vote (Arab Satellite Channels Festival).
“Why Not? 2” received a special honor from the Catholic Film Center in August 2021. Venue: Nile Hall (Franciscan Fathers).
- Special honor: the child actors Selim Mostafa and Mona Ahmed Zaher were recognized as promising young talents for their roles in the series.
Critical acclaim: the series was praised for boldly addressing social issues.
- Best Screenplay — Taza International Festival of Diversity Cinema (Morocco, 2019).
- Best Screenplay — 23rd National Film Festival (2021).
- Outstanding Achievement (Screenplay) — Brooklyn Film Festival (2019).
- Best Narrative Feature — Brooklyn Film Festival (2019).
- NUT Award (Supporting Women’s Causes) — Aswan International Women Film Festival (2019).
- Best Screenplay — Catholic Film Center (2020).
National Council for Human Rights Award for the series “Under-control” (2015)
National Council for Women Award for the series “Women’s Prison” (2014).
Selected by a large number of artists and critics as the best screenwriter in Ramadan 2013 for “A Girl Named Zat” and “Hot Wave.
- Best First Work Award — Sawiris Foundation (2008).
- Dubai Festival Award — Best Screenplay (2009).
- Independent Cinema Festival (Brussels) — Best Screenplay (2010).
- Arab Cinema Oscar — Best Screenplay (2010).
- Khouribga Moroccan Festival — Official Selection/Participation (July 2010).
Certificate of Appreciation for the short film “The House Game” at the 6th edition of the National Egyptian Film Festival (2000).
OUR TEAM
SARD GRANTS
Since 2020, Sard has supported emerging screenwriters and cinematic talents across the region through strategic partnerships with acclaimed screenwriter Mariam Naoum.
Together, they have offered cash awards and professional script development services at leading festivals, including the Cairo International Film Festival and the El Gouna Film Festival, as well as at regional and international film festivals.
This initiative has supported the development of award-winning films, including The Brink of Dreams, which won an award at the Cannes Film Festival, 50 Meters, and other prominent projects.