Cairo International Film Festival Gears Up for a Landmark Participation at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival
In a step that reflects its leading position, the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) is set for an exceptional presence at the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival (May 13–24, 2025). This unprecedented participation includes a wide array of events and activities, highlighting CIFF's pivotal role in supporting Egyptian and Arab cinema and strengthening its global footprint.
At the Egyptian Pavilion in the Marché du Film, veteran actor and CIFF President Hussein Fahmy will join a high-profile panel titled 'From Hollywood to Cairo: Bridging the U.S. and Egyptian Film Industries.' The session will explore potential collaborations between filmmakers from both countries, focusing on co-productions that could redefine the landscape of independent cinema. Considered one of the festival's most anticipated events, the panel underscores Egypt's potential as a global cinematic hub.
The Egyptian Pavilion is jointly organized by the Cairo International Film Festival, El Gouna Film Festival, and the Egypt Film Commission (EFC). It aims to showcase Egypt's strengths as a unique shooting location and a fully integrated production center. It also seeks to support emerging Egyptian talents through panels and networking receptions designed to foster new collaborations with international cinema professionals.
In support of Arab cinema, CIFF's Artistic Director, critic Mohamed Tarek, will take part in a panel titled 'Connecting Arab Film Festivals.' The session will emphasize the importance of collaboration among regional festivals to bolster local and regional filmmakers, and to create a unified network that contributes to the growth of the Arab film industry.
Among the festival's most notable activities, critic Mohamed Sayed Abdel Rahim—Director of Cairo Industry Days—will moderate a session titled 'The New Wave: Spotlight on Emerging Arab Filmmakers.' The panel will explore the creative contributions of a new generation of Arab directors who are reshaping the cinematic landscape, and how festivals can empower them to achieve international success.
Two additional panels will be hosted at the Egyptian Pavilion, focusing on co-production opportunities and promoting Egypt as a global filmmaking destination.
Beyond the pavilion, Hussein Fahmy will join a major panel at the Palais des Festivals titled 'Egypt: The Arab World's Blockbuster Capital.' Organized by the Arab Cinema Center and MDF_Cannes, and moderated by Variety's Italy & Middle East correspondent Nick Vivarelli, the session will spotlight Egypt's longstanding leadership in the Arab film industry and its role in exporting globally successful films. It will gather key players from across the Egyptian and Arab cinematic landscape.
Mohamed Tarek will also participate in a closed session titled 'Truth or Dare?' within the Short Film Corner (SFC), a program under Cinéma de Demain dedicated to supporting emerging talents. The session offers one-on-one 20-minute meetings between short and feature film professionals and emerging filmmakers, providing constructive feedback and mentorship for selected projects.
Under the Fantastic 7 initiative, jointly organized with the Marché du Film, the Iraqi project Ayin Hara has been selected to represent CIFF. Previously supported by Cairo Industry Days, the project has attracted attention from international producers and distributors, reaffirming CIFF's role in amplifying Arab talent on the world stage.
Notably, Cairo Industry Days had also supported Life After Siham by Namir Abdel Messeeh, which will be screened in the ACID section of the 78th Cannes Film Festival. The film previously received two development awards from Cairo Industry Days in 2021, courtesy of ART and Ergo, reflecting the forum's impact in nurturing ambitious Arab cinematic projects.
On the sidelines of Cannes 78, the Egyptian Pavilion will host a special celebration marking the 100th anniversary of the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI). The event emphasizes the vital role of film criticism in the evolution of global cinema and promotes intercultural dialogue among key players in the industry.
CIFF's dynamic participation at Cannes 2025 sends a clear message: Egyptian cinema is not merely a local industry, but a global cultural force capable of inspiring and influencing audiences worldwide. This landmark appearance signals a renewed era of artistic collaboration and cinematic innovation bridging East and West.
Founded in 1976, the Cairo International Film Festival is one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in the Arab world and Africa. It is recognized by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF) as one of the few accredited festivals in the region. For nearly five decades, CIFF has served as a vital platform for showcasing films from across the globe, with a special emphasis on Arab and African cinema. Its programs include acclaimed competitions such as the International Competition for Feature Films, and the Cairo Industry Days forum, which connects Arab filmmakers with international producers and distributors.
Founded in 1946, the Cannes Film Festival is one of the most important cinematic events in the world. Held annually in Cannes, France, it brings together filmmakers, stars, and critics from across the globe. The festival is known for premiering some of the most celebrated films in cinematic history and hosts prestigious competitions including the Palme d'Or. The Marché du Film, Cannes' official film market, is an integral part of the festival, serving as a key global platform for film sales and distribution.
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