Hussein Fahmy at at Cannes: "We Are Rising Again"
Ali Abo Deshish _ Pasant Elzaitony
As part of Cairo International Film Festival's exceptional participation in the 78th Cannes Film Festival, renowned actor and CIFF President Hussein Fahmy took part today in a high-profile panel discussion titled 'Egypt: The Land of Commercial Films in the Arab World.'
Hussein Fahmy
The session was held at the main stage of the Palais des Festivals and was organized in collaboration with the Arab Cinema Center and the Marché du Film (MDF\_Cannes). It was moderated by journalist Nick Vivarelli, Variety's correspondent for Italy and the Middle East, and attended by a distinguished group of filmmakers, artists, and industry professionals including actress Yousra, GFF President Samih Sawiris, GFF Executive Director Amr Mansi, Egypt Film Commission GM Ahmed Sami Bedeir, director Morad Mostafa, and producer Sawsan Youssef.
In his remarks, Fahmy stated:
"Egyptian cinema has gone through many transformations. There was a period of overly commercial production, which led to the exclusion of some films from international festivals. But today, we're witnessing remarkable progress. We have top-tier directors, actors, screenwriters, and cinematographers. This year's strong Egyptian presence at Cannes is proof that we are rising again."
He added:
"What distinguishes a true artist is having an aware and discerning audience — and that's what Egyptian cinema has. The bond between the artist and their audience is built on mutual trust. That's the secret of our continued success."
Fahmy also highlighted the youthful spirit of the Cairo International Film Festival, emphasizing its reliance on emerging talents across departments. He noted the healthy competition between CIFF and El Gouna Film Festival, which has helped rejuvenate the Egyptian film landscape.
He pointed to the increasing challenge facing Egyptian festivals with the growing number of well-funded Arab — particularly Gulf — festivals, raising the stakes in securing premieres, juries, and film selections.
This panel is part of the Arab Cinema Center's activities at Cannes, aiming to spotlight Egypt's pioneering role in commercial cinema and its central position in the Arab and global film scene.
read more
2 Most Inspirational Green Projects in Egypt
AEW Dynamite, WWE NXT to Strive over Viewership Tonight
Egypt Marks 70th Anniv. of 2011 Revolution, National Police Day
In Depth: WWE NXT Halloween Havoc
In Depth: AEW Dynamite, WWE NXT Tuesday Viewership Strive
Videos & Features
WATCH: Egyptians Break Ramadan Fasts in Matariya
Videos & Features
GrEEk Campus Hosts Jobzella Fifth Career Fair
Videos & Features
3 Iconic Ramadan Songs of All Times
Videos & Features
Top 4 Destinations to Visit in Upper Egypt
News
Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers
Lifestyle
Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe
News
Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia
News
Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content
Arts & Culture
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized
Sports
Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer
Sports
Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
News
Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies
Arts & Culture
New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple
Business
Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CairoScene
an hour ago
- CairoScene
Hit Comedy ‘Siko Siko' to Stream Exclusively on Yango Play This Eid
Still showing in cinemas, 'Siko Siko' has already pulled in over EGP 181 million and SAR 3.5 million in just eight weeks. Jun 04, 2025 Just in time for Eid Al-Adha, Yango Play is treating users to a festive surprise with the exclusive digital premiere of 'Siko Siko', the hit Egyptian comedy-action film. Still showing in cinemas, 'Siko Siko' has already pulled in over EGP 181 million and SAR 3.5 million in just eight weeks. Written by Mohamed El Dabbah and directed by Omar El Mohandes, the film stars rising stars Essam Omar and Taha Dessouky, along with Ali Sobhi, Tara Emad, Diana Hisham, Ahmed Abdel Hamid, and Mahmoud Sadeq Hadouta. It also features cameos by Bassem Samra and Khaled El Sawy. The story follows two young men: one works at a shipping company, while the other is a video game addict. Their lives are turned upside down when they find themselves caught in a whirlwind of danger, chaos, and high-stakes misadventures. With its blend of action and comedy, the film has struck a chord with audiences across the region. The exclusive release on Yango Play follows a successful Ramadan season for both Omar and Dessouky, who earned praise for their performances in the hit TV series 'Wlad El Shams' and 'Nos El Shaab Esmo Mohamed', respectively.
Egypt Today
2 hours ago
- Egypt Today
United Media Services mourned the loss of veteran Egyptian actress Samiha Ayoub
UMS has mourned the death of Ayoub stating: 'With deep sorrow, we bid farewell to the legendary Samiha Ayoub, the revered icon of Arab theatre, who has passed away after an extraordinary artistic journey. Her legacy enriched the hearts of Arab audiences and elevated the stature of Egyptian and Arab theatre. May her soul rest in peace, and may her loved ones find strength and solace.'
Identity
2 hours ago
- Identity
Travel Destinations Based On Your Favorite Film
What if your next travel destination wasn't just a spot on a map, but a mood? A memory? A scene straight out of your favorite Egyptian movie? Cinema has a way of making us feel things deeply. Love, danger, wanderlust, grief, and sometimes, the best way to relive those emotions is to visit a place that carries the same energy. So if you're feeling stuck between booking a flight and rewatching your comfort movie (again), we've done all the work for you. Here's a travel guide with a cinematic feel. Hepta: The Last Lecture – Dahab – Sinai The film walks us through every stage of love; its joy, weight, and silence, and Dahab carries that same stillness. It's not loud or fast. It gives you space to feel things deeply, without interruption. Like Hepta, it's soft but honest. The kind of place where emotions surface slowly, and nothing needs to be said out loud to be understood. 7arameya Fi Thailand – Bangkok & Phuket, Thailand Let's be honest, no one watched 7arameya Fi Thailand for the plot. We watched it for the laughs, the chaos, and the sheer energy of a fish-out-of-water heist in a country bursting with sensory overload. Bangkok and Phuket still deliver that exact energy. From neon-lit markets to tropical beaches that feel straight out of a postcard, Thailand is where mischief meets magic. El Fil El Azra2 2 – Marrakesh, Morocco This movie isn't just a thriller, it's a slow unraveling of the mind. Morocco mirrors that perfectly. With its maze-like medinas, shadowy alleys, and rich, layered stillness, it feels like a place where nothing is ever just what it seems. Just like the film, Morocco holds beauty and darkness in the same breath. It's where you go to get lost and maybe find parts of yourself you weren't ready to meet. Hob El Banat – Barcelona, Spain Hob El Banat was about more than romance; it was about healing, sisterhood, and finding your way back to yourself. Barcelona captures that perfectly. It's warm without being overwhelming, stylish without trying too hard, and filled with art, music, and long, slow days that feel like personal growth in motion. Think rooftop conversations, golden-hour walks, and the kind of Mediterranean energy that reminds you that life can be soft and meaningful. Whether you're in the mood to feel deeply, dance freely, or just escape, let your favorite Egyptian film guide you. After all, your next destination might just be inspired by a scene you've watched a hundred times. Tell us which of these appeals to you the most.
