IN THIS WORKSHOP
Workshop Summary: A 12-day intensive workshop guiding each student from idea to
first-draft short film script.
Through daily writing, feedback, and development sessions, participants build strong, cinematic
stories.
The program emphasizes character, structure, and visual storytelling.
Finished scripts may be selected for production in our Filmmaking Diploma, where students
direct their own films.
Day 1 : Introduction to Short Film Storytelling
- What makes a great short film
- Understanding structure, theme, and limitations
- Group introductions + pitch rough ideas
Day 2 : Idea Development & Theme
- Digging deeper into core themes and personal stories
- Refining each student’s idea
- Writing exercise: loglines and emotional stakes
Day 3 : Character Building
- Protagonists, goals, flaws, and transformation
- Secondary characters and dynamics
- Writing exercise: character bios and backstories
Day 4 : Conflict & Structure
- 3-act and alternative structures for short films
- Types of conflict (internal/external)
- Mapping beats for each story
Day 5 : World & Visual Language
- Creating a visual world through writing
- Show, don’t tell: writing with subtext
- Exercise: write one descriptive scene with no dialogue
Day 6 : Scene Construction
- Anatomy of a strong scene (objectives, obstacles, stakes)
- Scene transitions and flow
- Exercise: write a scene from your film
Day 7 : Dialogue & Subtext
- Writing authentic, purposeful dialogue
- Dialogue as action and character
- Peer reviews of dialogue scenes
Day 8 : Outlining the Script
- Building a beat sheet and scene list
- Structuring for pacing and emotional impact
- Students create detailed outlines of their scripts
Day 9 : Writing Session 1
- Guided scriptwriting time
- One-on-one check-ins with instructor
- Focus on writing the first half of the script
Day 10 : Writing Session 2
- Continue writing under guidance
- Troubleshooting structure, tone, or logic issues
- Peer feedback on pages in progress
Day 11 : Finishing the First Draft
- Final writing push to complete the draft
- One-on-one coaching and problem solving
- Intro to revision techniques
Day 12 : Table Reads & Feedback
- Each student shares a full table read of their script
- Group discussion and instructor feedback
- Final notes for next steps (rewriting, prep for directing, etc.)
Next Step: From Script to Screen
All completed scripts from this workshop will have the opportunity to be pitched for production
as part of our Filmmaking Diploma Program.
In the diploma, each student directs their own short film — taking their script from page to
screen with full production support.
This pathway gives writers a real chance to see their vision come to life and gain practical
directing experience in a professional environment.
About Amina Moustafa
is an Egyptian scriptwriter, author, and storytelling instructor. She is the creator
of the WatchIt original series “Interview” and the writer behind the upcoming feature film “Banat
Faten”. Amina began her career at Identity Magazine and iRead initiative, where she developed
her distinctive voice through cultural journalism and in-depth storytelling.
She served as a judge for The Golden Pen Award, mentoring emerging writers across the
region, and is known for her practical, emotionally intelligent approach to story development,
with years of experience teaching screenwriting.
Amina's Works
In Production
More Information
Duration
- Number of sessions: 12 Days
Fees
- 9000 EGP
Venue
- AFS– Heliopolis
Date and Time
- Wed, Oct 15, 2025 – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Mon, Oct 20, 2025 – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Wed, Oct 22, 2025 – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Mon, Oct 27, 2025 – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Wed, Oct 29, 2025 – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Mon, Nov 3, 2025 – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Wed, Nov 5, 2025 – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Mon, Nov 10, 2025 – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Wed, Nov 12, 2025 – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Mon, Nov 17, 2025 – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Wed, Nov 19, 2025 – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Mon, Nov 24, 2025 – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Refund Policy
- Before Wednesday, October 1, 2025 Participants are eligible for a full refund
- From Wednesday, October 1 to Tuesday, October 7, 2025 Participants are eligible for a 50% refund of the total price
- On or after Wednesday, October 8, 2025 No refunds will be issued