Cairo festival heads talk spotlighting Arab cinema and collaborating with regional events

Aiming to spotlight a new wave of Arab filmmakers while expanding its industry platform and audience outreach across Greater Cairo, the 46th Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) takes place from November 12 to 21.

The programme features a diverse line-up across its official sections, including the International Competition, Horizons of Arab Cinema and International Critics’ Week.

Turkish filmmaker Nuri Bilge Ceylan, who won Cannes’ Palme d’Or for Winter Sleep in 2014, presides over the international competition jury. Twelve features compete for the Golden Pyramid, with five directed by Arab filmmakers, including Once Upon A Time In Gaza by Tarzan and Arab Nasser, which world premiered in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard.

Other films in the main competition include Moroccan filmmaker Maryam Touzani’s Venice Spotlight premiere Calle Málaga; Mehdi Hmili’s revenge drama Exile, which debuted at Locarno; and the Egyptian-­Palestinian co-­production One More Show by Mai Saad and Ahmed Eldanf, following the Free Gaza circus troupe, in its world premiere.

The line-up also features the world premiere of Marta Bergman’s migrant drama The Silent Run and Paul Andrew Williams’ Tribeca premiere Dragonfly.

Despite economic pressures that have raised festival costs, CIFF’s budget has grown over the past two years thanks to continued support from Egypt’s Ministry of Culture — which provides nearly 50% of the festival’s funding — alongside private sponsorship from local Egyptian companies.

“It’s not always easy, but the commitment from both the government and the private sector demonstrates real faith in the festival,” says Hussein Fahmy, the veteran Egyptian actor and president of the festival for the third consecutive year. “What truly matters though is our growing audience — that’s the real measure of success.”

Continuing a policy adopted in response to the war in Gaza, the festival has once again limited its sponsorship to Egyptian companies, aligning with the nationwide boycott of brands that have business ties to Israel. “All our sponsors are Egyptian companies,” says Fahmy. “We continue to stand with the people’s position and uphold the same principles.”

Cairo collaboration

Mohamed Tarek, who was named the festival’s artistic director in February, has notable experience at CIFF, having served as a programmer, artistic consultant and deputy artistic director. He is also a programmer at leading Emirati arthouse venue Cinema Akil, and serves as the short film programmer for Dublin International Film Festival.

Tarek emphasises how the festival seeks to strengthen Cairo’s connection with the wider Arab film community. “It is a vital part of the festival’s role,” he says, arguing that Cairo’s natural strength lies in its regional reach and deep roots in the Arab world. “Cairo’s ability to influence the Arab and Egyptian cinema industry is far greater than its impact on the global scene — and that’s perfectly fine. Every festival has its own space.”

He says the festival has shifted its focus from competition with other events to collaboration. “The Arab world isn’t in a happy place right now when it comes to film funding and production — we need to co-­operate,” Tarek emphasises. “Filmmakers should have the opportunity to showcase their films at multiple festivals; Cairo, Marrakech, Doha and Red Sea should collaborate to help audiences discover these films.”

This spirit of openness is reflected in the programme’s strong Arab presence, including several Palestinian titles and collaborations with regional festivals. For example, Kaouther Ben Hania’s The Voice Of Hind Rajab will open Doha Film Festival and close CIFF. Five other films will also travel to Doha after screening in Cairo.

Underscoring a dual commitment to preservation and discovery, the festival showcases 22 restored Egyptian classics after its classics section proved popular last year. “When young audiences show real curiosity for restored classics, we’re making a meaningful impact,” says Fahmy.

Industry focus

The seventh edition of Cairo Industry Days (November 15-20) aims to foster collaboration between Arab filmmakers and the international film industry. In its second edition, the Cairo Industry Days market has experienced significant growth. “Last year, the market hosted just eight exhibitors, this year it features 29 participants,” says Mohamed Sayed Abdel Rahim, head of Cairo Industry Days. “The response from regional and international industry players has been remarkable”, he adds, highlighting new official participation from countries including Iraq, Turkey, India and China.

Meanwhile, Cairo Film Connection, the co-production, development and networking platform within Industry Days, has shortlisted 15 projects from 10 countries, including four from Egypt, three from Lebanon and two each from Iraq and Palestine. A training programme will also offer workshops in editing, acting, screenwriting, genre filmmaking and XR for around 200 participants. 

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