Sohag to Host its First-Ever Film Forum MESAHAT in July

CairoScene

13-06-2025

Funded by the EU in Egypt and EUNIC, the forum will take place at New Sohag City and feature a talk by Marianne Khoury.
Jun 13, 2025
Sohag is set to host MESAHAT, the first film Festival based on the governorate, at the Arts and Culture Center of the Future Generation School in New Sohag City starting July 24th. The forum will feature screenings, discussions, and the formal opening of what organisers describe as the governorate's first dedicated cinema venue.
Funded by the European Union in Egypt and EUNIC Egypt, MESAHAT is designed to support independent cinema and promote filmmaking initiatives outside Cairo. The forum will focus on decentralised narratives within Egypt, particularly those aligned with broader conversations in the Global South.
The programme includes a discussion session titled 'Cinema in the South: From Individual Initiatives to Independent Filmmaking', featuring Egyptian filmmaker and producer Marianne Khoury, known for her work with emerging talents and alternative cinema.
The forum will also host a screening of films produced by Nghmsha, including 'Give & Take' directed by Medhat Saleh and 'Laila' directed by Peter Mounir. According to organisers, this marks the first public film screening in a cinema space in Sohag.
MESAHAT follows a growing trend of cultural events expanding beyond Egypt's capital. It sits alongside other regional festivals such as the Luxor African Film Festival, the Aswan Women Film Festival, and the Alexandria Short Film Festival—all part of broader efforts to decentralise cultural programming and increase access to film infrastructure outside Cairo.