In a remarkable artistic milestone for the Egyptian- cultural scene in Canada, the city of Montreal witnessed the success of the first comprehensive directing workshop led by Egyptian Hollywood director Peter Tekla. The workshop was organized by MasCan under the leadership of Dr. Mireille Wassef and Dr. Rami Amin, bringing together academic professionalism with passion and creativity.
This visit was more than just a training program—it served as a cultural and artistic bridge connecting Hollywood’s advanced filmmaking expertise with young Egyptian and Canadian talents based in Canada. Over the course of ten dynamic days, Montreal became a vibrant creative hub where ambition met hands-on experience.
From day one, Peter Tekla ensured that the workshop was fully practical rather than purely theoretical. The program focused on three interconnected pillars: film directing and scene management, acting for the camera and understanding performance language, and scriptwriting. Participants progressed step by step—from developing an idea to writing a script, performing, filming, and finally directing—experiencing the complete filmmaking process from concept to screen.
What truly distinguished the workshop was its intensive practical approach. After scriptwriting sessions, participants developed their own short stories and transformed them into filmed scenes under the director’s supervision. They learned how to analyze scripts, assign roles, direct actors, choose camera angles, understand lighting, and manage the fine details that elevate a scene from ordinary to professional.
Each participant was not merely a learner but a creator—working both in front of and behind the camera. The experience combined acting, cinematography, directing, and real teamwork within a production environment. The workshop welcomed Egyptian amateurs and participants of various nationalities alongside professionals seeking to refine their craft, creating a rich exchange of skills and perspectives.
The certificate ceremony was attended by Ambassador Nabil Mekky, Consul of Egypt in Montreal, and Dr. Ahmed Gaber, Egypt’s Cultural Attaché, reflecting official support for initiatives that promote Egyptian creativity abroad and empower young artists.
The celebration concluded with a warm and elegant ceremony at Méchant Cuisinier, where guests were welcomed with authentic Egyptian hospitality, adding a cultural touch to the artistic achievement.
The success of this workshop marks not just a single event, but the beginning of a broader collaboration between Peter Tekla and MasCan under the guidance of Dr. Mireille Wassef, paving the way for future advanced programs in film and visual arts in Montreal and strengthening cultural ties through the power of cinema.
