My First Time Home is a feature length documentary film about religious and gender tolerance, self-discovery and seeking ‘home’. The film looks through the eyes of three young Australian-Egyptians as they embark on the journey of visiting their country of origin, Egypt – some for the first time. The film explores how the youth, who are a mix of both Christian and Muslim, reconcile both their religious and gender differences, while exploring their sense of self, and visiting Egyptians in Egypt, including in hospitals and underprivileged areas. Through the interweaving of different characters and stories, the film provides a timely discussion of how religion and gender can connect us to our common humanity and our sense of home. It features Coptic Orphans Charity and the Pope.
Jessica Hanna is a director/writer/producer from an Egyptian background. She recently graduated with a Master of Screenwriting from AFTRS, after winning the storytelling scholarship. Prior to this in 2019, she was selected for AFTRS Talent Camp NSW as a writer, and in 2018 selected as a writer/director/producer by Mia Bays from the British Film Institute to participate in the feature film development program Filmonomics, supported by Brisbane International Film Festival. In addition, Jessica wrote, directed and produced a drama film about the war in Syria, Regime, which was a finalist in Tropfest and was judged highly by known actress Susan Sarandon. It went on to win the AACTA Social Shorts award for best drama short film. She also wrote and assistant directed a 1 shot,12 minute film My Name is Mohamad & Raghad, which was selected for several festivals, including St Kilda Film Festival. She is also a curator at the SWANA film festival, supported by A.C.E and City of Parramatta.
