There are many things in life we can’t control, but one thing we do have control over is how we make others feel. This appears to be the sentiments that resonate deeply throughout the short film ‘I Don’t Care if the World Collapses’, written by Wael Hamdy and directed by Karim Shaaban.

The film creatively puts this idea into perspective, using a high-stakes commercial shoot as the backdrop for a story about empathy, responsibility, and the difficult choices we face in moments of crisis.

In this 20-minute narrative, we follow Loubna, a career-driven line producer played by the talented Salma Abu-Deif, as she navigates a particularly precarious situation. The story is set over the course of a just a few hours and takes us through a the day on the set of a commercial shoot. Everything seems to be going according to plan until Farouk, an elderly cast member in his 70s, receives an unexpected phone call. His family informs him that someone dear to him has passed away, and as Islamic tradition requires, the burial must take place on the same day. Farouk insists that he must leave immediately to attend the funeral.

But the stakes for Loubna and the crew are high. It’s a one-day shoot, and if Farouk leaves, the entire production will collapse, costing them more money than they can afford to lose. The director and production manager are adamant about keeping Farouk on set, but Loubna is caught in the middle. She must decide between her job responsibilities and showing empathy for the grieving man. It’s a difficult position for any professional, especially for a woman in an industry that often values results over compassion.

Salma Abu-Deif’s portrayal of Loubna is beautifully nuanced. She brings a sense of motherly care to her role as the line producer, effortlessly balancing professionalism with compassion. From the moment she steps on set, we see how she interacts with the cast and crew, quietly managing the chaos and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Her performance feels so authentic, particularly when the crisis with Farouk unfolds. You can see the inner turmoil as she tries to save the shoot from collapsing while also wanting to respect Farouk’s wishes. The film captures Loubna’s emotional complexity with grace, showing us the struggle of being both human and a leader in a tough situation.

The story itself is incredibly relatable, especially for anyone who has worked in film or other high-pressure environments. But beyond the specifics of the production, the themes are universal. Who hasn’t faced a moment where they’ve had to choose between doing their job and being there for someone in need? The film reminds us of the delicate balance between professionalism and empathy, and how sometimes, being human matters more than getting the job done and then vice versa in some cases.

Visually, the film is simple but effective. Most of it happens on the studio set, giving us an intimate look behind the scenes of a commercial shoot. The interactions between the cast and crew are realistic, capturing the frenetic energy of a production day. The choice of color grading and lighting adds warmth to the scenes, enhancing the film’s emotional depth. It’s a subtle touch, but it makes the world of the film feel grounded and relatable.

The clever writing leaves us with a surprising twist at the end, one that makes you rethink your thoughts about Loubna and how she handled and saved the situation. It’s a moment that hits you hard and underscores the film’s themes of compassion, duty, loss and how we choose to handle it all about other people.

Even in its conclusion, ‘I Don’t Care if the World Collapses’ reminds us to be more empathetic, to consider how others handle grief, and to balance our commitments with kindness.

In many ways, this is a beautifully crafted short film that leaves a lasting impact. It reminds us that no matter the pressures we face, we can always choose to be kind. And it’s a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever been torn between their job and their heart.

Rating – 4/5