Latest news with #ArabCinemaCenter
Broadcast Pro
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
‘Thank You For Banking With Us' wins top prize at Critics Awards
The film, directed by Laila Abbas, is an incisive portrayal of two sisters navigating the complexities of patriarchal laws and the broader political tensions of the Israeli occupation of Palestine. Laila Abbas's debut feature, Thank You For Banking With Us, has taken top honours at the ninth Critics Awards for Arab Films, winning Best Film. The Palestinian production, which had its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival, also earned Abbas the Best Director award. Written, directed and produced by Abbas through her Ramallah-based company Young Oak Productions, the film is a joint German-Palestinian production that delves into themes of female empowerment and familial struggle. It follows the story of sisters Mariam and Noura, who, after the death of their father, hatch a plan to claim a large inheritance, determined to bypass their brother's legal claim to half of the estate. Laila Abbas describes the film as a tribute to the strength of womanhood and the power of solidarity among women. 'It's a story about sisters who, having endured their own tragedies and heartbreaks, come together to become stronger,' she said. Moroccan director Nabil Ayouch's Everybody Loves Touda also made a strong showing, taking home two awards. The film premiered in the Cannes Premiere section last year and continues to gain critical recognition across the festival circuit. Actor Adam Bessa was awarded Best Actor for his performance in Ghost Trail, a French-Tunisian film that further underscores the diversity and talent emerging from the Arab film world. The Critics Awards for Arab Films honour the most outstanding achievements in Arab cinema over the past year. Winners are chosen by a global panel of 281 film critics, reflecting a broad and international perspective on the region's cinematic output. The awards are organised by the Arab Cinema Center in partnership with MAD Solutions, the International Emerging Film Talent Association, and the NEFT Emerging Film Talent International Competition, all of which work to promote and celebrate Arab storytelling on a global stage.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Arab Cinema Makes a Splash on the Croisette
Arab cinema and its representatives are out in full force — and in the spotlight — on the Croisette this year, where the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival kicked off on Tuesday. Case in point: Qatar's film industry is gearing up for what insiders say will be its biggest-ever presence on the Croisette. The timing seems fitting given that the Arab Cinema Center (ACC) will, during the fest, bestow its sixth Arab Cinema Personality of the Year Award onto Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, CEO of Qatar's Doha Film Institute, for her 'noteworthy efforts to advance the Qatari, Arab, and global film industries.' More from The Hollywood Reporter 'Two Prosecutors' Review: Sergei Loznitsa Explores the Stifling Climate of Stalin-Era Russia in a Legal Drama That Burns Slowly but Brightly Nude and "Voluminous" Cannes Red Carpet Looks From Past Years That Would Violate New Dress Code 'Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning' Review: Tom Cruise Delivers but the Convoluted Eighth Entry Takes Its Sweet Time Getting There Egypt also has reason to celebrate. It returns to the Cannes Film Festival's Un Certain Regard lineup for the first time in nine years, with its 'central role in regional production and distribution' as 'the Arab world's largest filmmaking hub' getting the spotlight in a panel organized by the Marché du Film and ACC entitled 'Egypt: Arab World's Blockbuster Nation.' Meanwhile, Charlie Polinger's debut feature The Plague, starring Joel Edgerton (Boy Erased, Black Mass), will world premiere in Cannes' Un Certain Regard section, giving Image Nation Abu Dhabi its first movie in one of the two big Cannes fest sections. Made under its co-production partnership with Spooky Pictures, along with producers Hellcat, The Space Program, and Edgerton's Five Henrys, the psychological horror movie tells the story of a 12-year-old navigating the savage social order at an all-boys water polo summer camp. For Image Nation Abu Dhabi, it will mark a special moment, CEO Ben Ross tells THR. 'We are all super happy that we get to go to Cannes with a movie,' he says. 'I'm sure it will be a different experience.' Palestinian cinema is also set to draw attention on the Croisette. It will be in focus in a Cannes market session, while revenge thriller Once Upon a Time in Gaza, directed by twin brothers Tarzan and Arab Nasser, will unspool in the Un Certain Regard program. In addition, Iranian director Sepideh Farsi's documentary Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk, which features Palestinian photojournalist Fatma Hassona and her work documenting daily life in Gaza, will screen in the lineup of ACID (Association for the Distribution of Independent Cinema), a parallel event held during the Cannes fest. When the 25-year-old and several members of her family were recently killed in an Israeli air strike, the Cannes fest expressed 'its dread and profound sadness at this tragedy,' adding that the movie's screening 'will be, in addition to the message of the film itself, a way to honor the memory of Fatma Hassona.' The Israel-Gaza war took center stage during the Cannes opening press conference on Tuesday when jury president Juliette Binoche was asked about a letter, published on Monday evening and signed by such film industry folks as Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon and Javier Bardem, that said: 'In Cannes, the horror Gaza must not be silenced,' read the letter. Binoche said she did not sign the letter but would not detail the reasons, simply saying: 'You will maybe understand it a little later.' Egypt will also be making its presence felt in Cannes in more ways than one. In Un Certain Regard, Egyptian director Morad Mostafa's Aisha Can't Fly Away, a co-production with France, Germany, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Sudan, tells the story of a Muslim migrant from Sudan who works as a caregiver in Cairo. She lives in an area full of 'tension between the different African and Egyptian groups over the control of the neighborhood,' according to a synopsis. Egypt's return to the section after nearly a decade was in a press announcement for the movie, described as 'a triumphant breakthrough for Egyptian cinema.' The country also plays a role in this year's competition lineup as Swedish director Tarik Saleh, the son of a Swedish mother and an Egyptian father, will bring his much-anticipated Eagles of the Republic, about a fictional Egyptian actor who falls into disgrace with the authorities, to the Croisette. Jordan is also in the spotlight as the Royal Film Commission – Jordan just launched an 'enhanced financial incentives program' for film and TV productions in Cannes early on Wednesday. The new cash rebate of 25-45 percent for qualifying film and TV projects replaces the 25 percent cap that has been in place so far. 'Projects with production expenditures exceeding $10 million and integrating Jordanian cultural elements can qualify for the maximum rebate of 45 percent,' the commission said. 'For local productions, the rebate has been raised from 10 percent to 30 percent for projects with spending over $500,000 – part of a broader effort to empower Jordanian producers and stimulate the domestic production industry.' Existing additional financial savings on the likes of sales tax and customs duty also remain in place. 'The amendments aim to enhance Jordan's competitiveness as a major film production hub in the region by creating a supportive environment that fosters creativity, provides robust infrastructure, and facilitates the exchange of expertise, training, and knowledge transfer,' said Mohannad Al-Bakri, managing director of the Royal Film Commission – Jordan. 'They also aim to boost film tourism by promoting filming locations and highlighting Jordanian cultural identity and heritage in global productions.' Previous films that have been shot in Jordan include Dune Parts 1 & 2, The Martian, John Wick, and Aladdin. 'For the past 60 years, since Lawrence of Arabia, Jordan has been welcoming international and regional films and TV productions,' the country's film commission highlighted. Another part of the Arab world playing Cannes this year is the Maghreb. French-Tunisian director Erige Sehiri opens the Un Certain Regard section on Wednesday with Promised Sky, a drama about an unorthodox family made up of several women in Tunis. Plus, French director Hafsia Herzi, the daughter of Algerian and Tunisian parents, is bringing her coming-of-age drama The Little Sister, about a young woman navigating life between two cultures, to Cannes where it will compete for the Palme d'Or. Finally, this year marks 'the first time Qatar will really be showing up to Cannes in force,' according to one industry insider. Indeed, Hassan Al Thawadi, who oversaw the delivery of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in the emirate and is now also focusing on the growth of the movie industry, will lead a group of executives from Media City Qatar and a new film committee to Cannes. The Qatari delegation is understood to be made up of representatives of the Film Committee at Media City Qatar and Doha-based studio Katara Studios (Orca, series The Pact). The influence of Qatar's Doha Film Institute and its financing support will also be visible in the Directors' Fortnight, the independent section held in parallel to the Cannes festival. After all, it will include the world premiere of The President's Cake, written and directed by Iraq's Hasan Hadi in his directorial debut. One key player in the story will be recognized well beyond the Arab world. After all, the movie tells the story of a young girl who gets tasked with baking a birthday cake for none other than Saddam Hussein. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia continues looking to make waves. Shivani Pandya-Malhotra, managing director of the Red Sea Film Foundation, which organizes the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah and just announced a new CEO, and its chair Jomana Al-Rashid are among the country's representatives in Cannes. And Film AlUla, the film agency tasked with promoting and supporting film and TV productions while protecting the AlUla region, is back at Cannes for its fifth year in a row. Its films have included the likes of Norah, Cherry, Kandahar, K-Pops, and Siwar. 'The Cannes Film Festival is a pivotal stop on our events calendar and one of our most productive markets of the year,' Zaid Shaker, acting executive director, tells THR. 'Our team is based at the Saudi Pavilion, where attendees are invited to experience the breathtaking landscapes of AlUla through our immersive VR offering. As Saudi Arabia plays an increasingly prominent role in the global film ecosystem, Film AlUla is proud to be at the forefront of this transformation – championing regional storytelling, attracting international productions, and supporting filmmakers at every stage of development.' Best of The Hollywood Reporter 'The Goonies' Cast, Then and Now "A Nutless Monkey Could Do Your Job": From Abusive to Angst-Ridden, 16 Memorable Studio Exec Portrayals in Film and TV The 10 Best Baseball Movies of All Time, Ranked
Egypt Today
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Today
Egypt's Cinematic Power Showcased at Cannes with Youssra and Hussein Fahmy Leading ‘Blockbuster Nation' Panel
Egypt took center stage at the Cannes Film Festival during the Arab Cinema Center's (ACC) flagship panel, 'Egypt: The Arab World's Blockbuster Nation.' Held on Thursday, May 15th, on the Palais' Main Stage, the session drew a full house and brought together some of the most influential voices shaping the future of Egyptian cinema. Moderated by Variety's Italy and Middle East correspondent Nick Vivarelli, the conversation blended nostalgia with forward-thinking vision. Panelists explored how Egypt is entering a new era — one driven by creative reinvention, investment in infrastructure, and global industry partnerships. Opening the session, Alaa Karkouti, co-founder of the Arab Cinema Center, underscored the moment's significance, 'This is a milestone year for Egyptian cinema. Our collaboration with the Cannes Marché du Film continues to grow, and once you begin working within the Egyptian industry, you don't just contribute, you become a part of it.' The first to speak was Egyptian superstar Youssra, a defining icon of Arab cinema for decades, who praised the dynamism of the new generation of filmmakers, describing them as daring, passionate, and full of promise. 'Egyptian cinema has always been out of the box — and now this new wave is bringing a fresh perspective,' she said. Reflecting on the nature of stardom, she added, 'Being a star means being part of people's lives — they follow your journey, they connect with you, and they decide whether to love the work or not. That connection is powerful.' Youssra also paid a heartfelt tribute to legendary filmmaker Youssef Chahine, crediting him with giving Egyptian cinema its first major international push at Cannes. 'He gave us our start abroad,' she noted, urging today's creators to keep pushing artistic boundaries. 'Now and then, we need to shock the audience with stories that make them think — especially in an age ruled by social media.' Next, legendary actor and President of the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) Hussein Fahmy spoke with deep conviction about Egypt's enduring cinematic roots. 'Cinema has always been part of Egypt's cultural identity — this is not something new to us,' he said. He also shared how CIFF is working to broaden its impact, not just within Downtown Cairo but in surrounding communities, with new hubs like its base at the Cairo Opera House and outreach initiatives through sub-grants. He also reflected on his experience at the El Gouna Film Festival: 'When I attend Gouna, I feel young again — even at 76. That's the kind of spirit we need. We're targeting youths.' Building on that energy, Amr Mansi, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the El Gouna Film Festival, recounted how the festival began — and his commitment to sustaining its growth. 'Our aim has always been to build a festival that shines year after year — not just as an event, but as a platform that empowers creators and brings cultures together.' The conversation then turned to the power of independent cinema. Director Morad Mostafa and producer Sawsan Yusuf, whose debut feature AISHA CAN'T FLY AWAY are competing in Cannes' Un Certain Regard, offered insight into their creative process and challenges. 'There have been many international films on the subject,' said Mostafa, 'but I wanted to explore it through the lens of Egyptian society — and non-Egyptian characters. To show strength, not just struggle.' He added that while creativity is growing, there's still a pressing need for more support in the ecosystem, 'We need more companies — in distribution, marketing, production, and sales — that are willing to take a risk, like MAD Solutions did, to support emerging filmmakers. I was also grateful for the support from the GFF last year for my short film. Short films deserve more backing.' Producer Sawsan Yusuf also emphasized the balancing act of making films that succeed artistically and commercially, saying, 'Festival films now have to sell — they're expected to do well at box offices. Audiences want stars. But we're not just competing locally; we're competing globally. Films like GOODBYE JULIA and CAPERNAUM proved that the more local and authentic a story is, the more it resonates internationally.' Wrapping up the panel, Ahmed Sami, General Manager of the Egypt Film Commission, spoke about the country's efforts to position itself as a key destination for international film productions. 'We started about five years ago with documentary films and then moved on to bigger projects; some were even shot near the Pyramids,' he said. 'We overcame huge challenges. For the first time, fake weapons were allowed on set in Egypt, and we secured approval to film with special forces and military helicopters.' He explained that Egypt now offers several incentives to filmmakers: 'There's cashback on services in Media Production City, discounts on equipment, cheaper airfare, and hotel deals for crews. Even though we don't yet have an official cash rebate system like some other countries, Egypt still stands out. Our prices are better, and our locations are incredible — from Pharaonic and Roman sites to Islamic and Christian landmarks.' The discussion closed with a strong message: Egyptian cinema is not just reliving its golden age — it's redefining it. From box office hits to critically acclaimed indie films, the industry is gaining traction at home and abroad. The panel showed how Egypt's mix of strong history, new ideas, and support from the government, festivals, and producers is helping its film industry grow again — and this should give us optimism for the future of Arab cinema around the world.
See - Sada Elbalad
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Egypt's Cinematic Power Showcased at Cannes with Yousra and Hussein Fahmy Leading "Blockbuster Nation" Panel
Yara Sameh Egypt took center stage at the Cannes Film Festival during the Arab Cinema Center's (ACC) flagship panel, 'Egypt: The Arab World's Blockbuster Nation.' Held on Thursday, on the Palais' Main Stage, the session drew a full house and brought together some of the most influential voices shaping the future of Egyptian cinema. Moderated by Variety's Italy and Middle East correspondent Nick Vivarelli, the conversation blended nostalgia with forward-thinking vision. Panelists explored how Egypt is entering a new era — one driven by creative reinvention, investment in infrastructure, and global industry partnerships. Opening the session, Alaa Karkouti, co-founder of the Arab Cinema Center, underscored the moment's significance, 'This is a milestone year for Egyptian cinema. Our collaboration with the Cannes Marché du Film continues to grow, and once you begin working within the Egyptian industry, you don't just contribute, you become a part of it.' The first to speak was Egyptian superstar Yousra, a defining icon of Arab cinema for decades, who praised the dynamism of the new generation of filmmakers, describing them as daring, passionate, and full of promise. 'Egyptian cinema has always been out of the box — and now this new wave is bringing a fresh perspective,' she said. Reflecting on the nature of stardom, she added, 'Being a star means being part of people's lives — they follow your journey, they connect with you, and they decide whether to love the work or not. That connection is powerful.' Yousra also paid a heartfelt tribute to legendary filmmaker Youssef Chahine, crediting him with giving Egyptian cinema its first major international push at Cannes. 'He gave us our start abroad,' she noted, urging today's creators to keep pushing artistic boundaries. 'Now and then, we need to shock the audience with stories that make them think — especially in an age ruled by social media.' Next, legendary actor and President of the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) Hussein Fahmy spoke with deep conviction about Egypt's enduring cinematic roots. 'Cinema has always been part of Egypt's cultural identity — this is not something new to us,' he said. He also shared how CIFF is working to broaden its impact, not just within Downtown Cairo but in surrounding communities, with new hubs like its base at the Cairo Opera House and outreach initiatives through sub-grants. Fahmy also reflected on his experience at the El Gouna Film Festival, saying: 'When I attend Gouna, I feel young again — even at 76. That's the kind of spirit we need. We're targeting youths.' Building on that energy, Amr Mansi, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the El Gouna Film Festival, recounted how the festival began — and his commitment to sustaining its growth. 'Our aim has always been to build a festival that shines year after year — not just as an event, but as a platform that empowers creators and brings cultures together.' The conversation then turned to the power of independent cinema. Director Morad Mostafa and producer Sawsan Yusuf, whose debut feature "Aisha Can't Fly Away" is competing in Cannes' Un Certain Regard, offered insight into their creative process and challenges. 'There have been many international films on the subject,' Mostafa said. 'but I wanted to explore it through the lens of Egyptian society — and through non-Egyptian characters. To show strength, not just struggle.' He added that while creativity is growing, there's still a pressing need for more support in the ecosystem, 'We need more companies — in distribution, marketing, production, and sales — that are willing to take a risk, like MAD Solutions did, to support emerging filmmakers. I was also grateful for the support from the GFF last year for my short film. Short films deserve more backing.' Producer Sawsan Yusuf also emphasized the balancing act of making films that succeed artistically and commercially, saying, 'Festival films now have to sell — they're expected to do well at box offices. Audiences want stars. But we're not just competing locally; we're competing globally. Films like 'Goodbye Julia' and 'Capernaum' proved that the more local and authentic a story is, the more it resonates internationally.' Wrapping up the panel, Ahmed Sami, General Manager of the Egypt Film Commission, spoke about the country's efforts to position itself as a key destination for international film productions. 'We started about five years ago with documentary films and then moved on to bigger projects; some were even shot near the Pyramids,' he said. 'We overcame huge challenges. For the first time, fake weapons were allowed on set in Egypt, and we secured approval to film with special forces and military helicopters.' He explained that Egypt now offers several incentives to filmmakers: 'There's cashback on services in Media Production City, discounts on equipment, cheaper airfare, and hotel deals for crews. Even though we don't yet have an official cash rebate system like some other countries, Egypt still stands out. Our prices are better, and our locations are incredible — from Pharaonic and Roman sites to Islamic and Christian landmarks.' The discussion closed with a strong message: Egyptian cinema is not just reliving its golden age — it's redefining it. From box office hits to critically acclaimed indie films, the industry is gaining traction at home and abroad. The panel showed how Egypt's mix of strong history, new ideas, and support from the government, festivals, and producers is helping its film industry grow again — and this should give us optimism for the future of Arab cinema around the world. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha 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
See - Sada Elbalad
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
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
