‘Your Daughter,’ Directed by Sara Shazli, Reveals the Emotional Journey of Confronting a Painful History

Sara Shazli, an acclaimed Egyptian filmmaker, is preparing to showcase her latest documentary, “Your Daughter,” at the Venice Production Bridge’s Final Cut workshop, which focuses on films from Africa and the Arab world that are in post-production.

Her sophomore feature delves into the personal struggle of breaking free from the shadow of her renowned mother, producer and filmmaker Marianne Khoury, while simultaneously passing the challenges of impending motherhood.

The documentary follows Shazli, 32, as she moves from her childhood home in downtown Cairo to a modest house in the suburbs, driven by a desire to distance herself from her mother’s overwhelming influence.

During this transition, Shazli reflects on her upbringing and the Ethiopian nanny who played a remarkable role in her childhood, embarking on a poignant journey to address the emotional void left by her mother’s absence.

Shazli’s debut film, “Back Home,” which premiered at the El Gouna Film Festival in 2021, explored her complex relationship with her father, highlighting their estrangement over the years.

Filmed largely during the COVID-19 lockdown, it marked a return from film school in Cuba to capture her graduation project. During her visits from Havana, Shazli confronted her mother about her childhood memories, questioning the extent of her absence.

Describing Khoury, a prominent figure in Egyptian cinema and collaborator of Youssef Chahine, as a “workaholic,” Shazli reflects on how her mother’s dedication to her career impacted their family life. Initially, “Your Daughter” aimed to trace the Ethiopian nanny’s journey to Canada, but evolved into a deeper exploration of Shazli’s relationship with her mother.

Growing up surrounded by cinema royalty in Cairo, Shazli developed a conflicted view of the film industry, influenced by her mother’s frequent absences due to professional commitments. Shazli observed a tendency within her family to use the camera as a means of avoiding genuine emotional connections.

In creating “Your Daughter,” Shazli utilizes an extensive family archive and contemporary footage, working with editor Nadia Ben Rachid to blend historical and current perspectives, alongside fictionalized scenes from her childhood.

Recently becoming a mother herself, Shazli expresses a desire to prioritize real-life experiences over filming, embracing her new role as both a filmmaker and a parent. This personal transformation symbolizes her emergence from her mother’s shadow, marking a new chapter in her life and career.