Biography
Karim M. El Shafei is an award-winning Egyptian film director, editor, and producer, known for his emotionally resonant storytelling and striking visual style. With over 15 years of experience across film, television, music videos, and commercials, El Shafei's work is marked by its cinematic depth and human sensitivity.
Born and raised in Cairo, Egypt, Karim began his career as a video editor, where he honed his instincts for pacing, visual rhythm, and narrative cohesion. Over the years, he transitioned into directing, bringing a distinctive blend of technical precision and emotional nuance to every frame.
In 2019, he gained international attention with Karma of Life, a short film that won Best Dramatic Film at the ROLLYWOOD International Film Festival and was officially selected in more than 10 festivals worldwide. This was followed by The Last Message (2020), a documentary short that delved into personal resilience and reflection.
His 2024 commercial short film Bullet - created for Arabian Oud - combined cinematic storytelling with branded content, and was notably screened at VOX Cinemas in Riyadh, making it a rare example of regional advertising crossing into theatrical exhibition.
El Shafei's body of work includes collaborations with renowned Arab artists and regional brands, directing music videos and concerts for names like Mohamed Hamaki, Samo Zaen and Razan Maghrabi, and delivering emotionally compelling ad campaigns for a wide range of industries.
His recurring themes - identity, memory, silence, and internal struggle - give his projects a soul beyond the screen. Karim continues to craft stories that bridge commercial appeal with artistic sincerity, always guided by his personal philosophy: "Let the visuals speak."
