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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
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Mohamed Tarek Discusses Building Bridges Between Arab Film Festivals at Cannes 78
Ali abo deshish As part of the exceptional participation of Cairo International Film Festival in the 78th edition of Cannes Film Festival, Film critic Mohamed Tarek, Artistic Director of Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF), took part in a panel discussion titled "Building Bridges Between Arab Film Festivals". The session highlighted the importance of collaboration among Arab film festivals to support local and regional filmmakers, focusing on creating a strong network of festivals working together to advance the film industry in the region. Mohamed Tarek commented: "We discussed how this is a significant step for Arab festivals (4 major Arab festivals coming together for the first time) and how collaboration is the way forward for the development of films and festivals. We also talked about how to organize premiere screenings in the region without making them a barrier for audiences to access important Arab films." The session was held inside the Egyptian Pavilion at Cannes Film Market (Marché du Film), organized jointly by Cairo International Film Festival, El Gouna Film Festival, and the Egypt Film Commission (EFC). The pavilion aims to showcase Egypt's role as a unique global filming destination and an integrated production hub, highlighting the vast production capabilities Egypt offers. It also supports young Egyptian talents through panel discussions and networking events to foster new collaborations with international filmmakers. Notably, Cairo International Film Festival, established in 1976, is one of the most prominent festivals in the Arab world and Africa. It holds an official international classification as a Category A festival and is the only festival in the Arab world and Africa accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF). 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
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
Egypt Today
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Today
Egyptian Cinema Steals the Spotlight at Cannes Film Festival
Yousra and Raya Abirached. From Yousra to Nadine Njeim, Amina Khalil, Raya Abirached, and Amr Mansi, a notable group of Arab and Egyptian artists and celebrities participated in this year's Cannes Film Festival. The 78th Cannes Film Festival opened with elegance and emotion — a triple tribute to Ukraine and a premiere of Amélie Bonnin's Leave One Day, a French romance that sets the tone for the days ahead. Cinema meets humanity on the red carpet. This year's Cannes spotlight shines on Aisha Can't Fly Away by Egyptian director Morad Mostafa, featured in the Un Certain Regard section. Also making waves is A Doll Made Up of Clay, a short film from Ethiopia by Kokob Gebrehweria Tesfay. Aisha Can't Fly Away by Morad Mostafa — a raw, intimate portrait of life in Ain Shams, screening in the prestigious Un Certain Regard section. It's more than a debut — it's a breakthrough. Set in East Cairo, Aisha Can't Fly Away follows a 26-year-old Somali woman navigating refugee life. With heart and grit, Morad Mostafa's debut challenges how we see borders, identity, and resilience. Aisha Can't Fly Away isn't just about story — it's about performance. With standout roles from Buliana Simona, Emad Ghoneim, Mamdouh Salah & Egyptian rapper Ziad Zaza, Egypt delivers acting talent with real edge. After 10 years, the Al-Mahrousa Pavilion is back at the Cannes Film Market! A major move for Egyptian cinema — promoting co-productions, global networking & a renewed industry presence. Backed by CIFF, El Gouna & the Egypt Film Committee. At the Critics Awards for Arab Films, Khaled Mansour's debut Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo earns 5 nominations! From Venice buzz to Cannes acclaim, this tale of man, dog, and dignity is a must-watch.
