The 47th edition of the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) officially commenced on Wednesday, November 11, at the Cairo Opera House, drawing a prominent gathering of filmmakers, actors, and industry leaders from Egypt, the Arab world, and the international stage.
Scheduled to run through November 20, this year’s festival marks a major milestone by celebrating the 50th anniversary of the event’s founding in August 1976 by journalist Kamal El-Mallakh under the Egyptian Society of Cinema Writers and Critics.
The grand opening ceremony paid homage to the rich heritage of Egyptian cinema, beginning with the screening of a classic scene from Hussein Kamal’s 1969 film “Something of Fear,” featuring actress Shadia. Highlighting the cultural significance of the event, Hussein Fahmi stressed that preserving cinematographic heritage is just as vital as showcasing contemporary works, noting that film serves as an enduring testimony to human experience and historical transformation. Egyptian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Culture Abdel Aziz Qansouh echoed these sentiments, describing cinema as an essential tool for social dialogue, awareness, and cultural diplomacy.
Running until November 20, the festival features 145 films originating from 64 countries, spanning feature films, documentaries, short subjects, special screenings, and restored cinematic classics. Complementing the screenings, the professional industry platform “Cairo Industry Days” runs from November 12 to 19, offering workshops, conferences, and project development opportunities. Furthermore, the festival introduced accessibility initiatives including the “New Wave” program—which welcomed 100 selected participants from across 23 Egyptian governorates and Arab residents—and the “Cairo Kids” program designed to cultivate young audiences.
The opening night also featured prestigious career tributes. Moroccan director Nabil Ayouch, serving as president of the international competition jury, received a career Golden Pyramid award, reflecting on his long-standing relationship with the festival that began with the screening of his film “Mektoub” in 1998. Italian director Matteo Garrone was likewise honored with a career Golden Pyramid in recognition of his acclaimed contributions to social realism and drama, including works like “Gomorra,” “Dogman,” and “Io Capitano.” Additional honorees included Egyptian actor Asser Yassin, who was awarded the Faten Hamama Prize for Excellence, alongside veteran screenwriter Medhat El-Adl and seasoned actor Farouk Falouks, both of whom received career Golden Pyramids for their profound impacts on Egyptian arts and media.
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