Latest news with #CairoFilmConnection
See - Sada Elbalad
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
A Warm Reception for "Life After Seham" at Its World Premiere in the ACID Section of the Cannes Film Festival
Ali abo deshish Cannes Film Festival hosted the world premiere of "Life After Seham," directed and written by Namir Abdel Messeeh, as part of the ACID section dedicated to supporting independent cinema. The screening was attended by the entire film crew alongside the producers, including Egyptian producers, in an atmosphere filled with appreciation and enthusiasm from both the audience and critics. "Life After Seham" received two awards from Cairo Film Connection sponsors (ART and Ergo) in 2021, as part of the platform's ongoing support for new cinematic voices in the Arab world. This support has led to the production of a remarkable documentary that has captured the attention of Cannes audiences. The 76-minute film marks the second documentary by Namir Abdel Messeeh, the Egyptian director who grew up in France and studied filmmaking at the prestigious La Fémis school. In this work, Abdel Messeeh continues to explore themes of identity, belonging, and memory, offering a deeply human perspective that resonates with viewers. Mohamed Sayed Abdel Rahim, Head of Cairo Industry Days at Cairo International Film Festival, expressed his great happiness at the film's warm reception at its premiere, saying: 'We are extremely proud to see one of Cairo Film Connection's projects achieving such international success and recognition at a festival as prominent as Cannes. This achievement underscores the importance of supporting young Arab talents and highlights the role of Cairo Film Connection as a catalyst for ambitious cinematic projects.' This success reflects the growing role of the Cairo International Film Festival and its industry platform in supporting and developing Arab cinema, bringing it to global stages, and enhancing the presence of Egyptian and Arab talents in international forums. 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 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 Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
See - Sada Elbalad
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Cairo International Film Festival Opens Submissions for the 11th Cairo Film Connection
Ali abo dashish Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) has announced the opening of submissions for the 11th edition of the Cairo Film Connection, part of the festival's 46th edition, scheduled to take place from November 12 to 21, 2025. Applications will be accepted from May 7 through August 1, 2025, via the festival's official website: Cairo Film Connection is a professional platform dedicated to supporting feature-length narrative and documentary projects from the Arab world, in both development and post-production stages. It aims to empower Arab filmmakers by providing financial grants, production services, and valuable opportunities to connect with key producers, funders, and distributors from across the globe. Renowned actor Hussein Fahmy, President of CIFF, commented: "At CIFF, we strongly believe that supporting filmmakers from the region is fundamental to the growth of Arab cinema. Cairo Film Connection has become a true platform for launching promising projects. We take pride in what it has achieved over the years in discovering new talents and enhancing Arab cinema's presence on the global stage." Mohamed Tarek, the festival's Artistic Director, added: "Each edition, we strive to offer meaningful and diversified support to projects that stand out for their boldness and artistic integrity. The Cairo Film Connection is more than just a pitching platform—it is a vibrant space for exchange and creative dialogue between filmmakers, funders, and programmers from around the world." In recent years, numerous projects supported by Cairo Film Connection have gone on to represent Arab cinema at major international festivals. Notable examples include: "Four Daughters" by Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania, "Inshallah a Boy" by Jordanian director Amjad Al-Rasheed, "Goodbye Julia" by Sudanese director Mohamed Kordofani, and "The Brink of Dreams" by Egyptian director Namir Abdel Messeeh. Mohamed Sayed Abdel Rahim, Head of Cairo Industry Days, stated: "Over the past ten years, the Cairo Film Connection has solidified its position as one of the most vital development platforms in the Arab region—not only because of the awards and funding it offers, but also because of the caliber of films it helps bring to life." The previous edition in November 2024 hosted 18 projects from 13 Arab countries, with participants receiving 31 awards exceeding $220,000 in combined value, including cash prizes and in-kind services offered by local and international production and distribution partners. Eligible projects must be feature-length (narrative or documentary) films in either the development or post-production phase, submitted by filmmakers from Arab countries. The director must be of Arab nationality or origin. Eligibility Criteria: • The director must be of Arab nationality or origin. • The submitted project must be a feature-length narrative or documentary film in development or post-production. • The director must have previously completed at least one film (short or feature). Cairo Film Connection continues to serve as a vital gateway for Arab filmmakers seeking co-productions and international exposure, playing a key role in advancing Arab cinema's global presence with each new edition. About CIFF: Established in 1976, Cairo International Film Festival is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the Arab world and Africa. It holds Category A status, the only one in the Arab region and the African continent to be officially recognized by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF). For submissions and more information, please visit: 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 Videos & Features Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO) 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
Broadcast Pro
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
‘Ayin Hara' to represent CIFF at Cannes' Fantastic 7
Previously, the film was chosen to take part in the Cairo Film Connection during the 45th edition of the Cairo International Film Festival. The Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) has selected Ayin Hara, a project by Iraqi director Yasir Kareem, to represent the festival at the Fantastic 7 initiative during the Cannes Film Festival. Organised annually by the Cannes Marché du Film in partnership with the Sitges Film Festival, Fantastic 7 celebrates genre cinema by spotlighting seven standout fantasy, horror and science fiction projects nominated by major international festivals. Ayin Hara had already garnered attention during the 45th edition of CIFF in 2024, where it participated in the festival's Cairo Film Connection. The film is set against the backdrop of the marshes in southern Iraq and weaves together elements of myth and realism. It tells the story of a young woman's defiance of deeply rooted traditions within a conservative society, exploring themes of fear, resistance and identity. Actor Hussein Fahmy, President of the Cairo International Film Festival, expressed his pride in the festival's participation in such a significant global initiative. He said: 'We are proud to be among the select festivals given the opportunity to nominate a project for Fantastic 7. We believe Ayin Hara brings a unique cinematic voice and a distinct Arab vision that deserves international recognition and support.' This nomination underscores CIFF's commitment to nurturing bold and emerging filmmakers, particularly those reshaping the Arab cinematic landscape and pushing creative boundaries. The Cairo Film Connection, held as part of Cairo Industry Days, serves as a vital bridge between Arab and African filmmakers and the global industry, offering a platform for projects in development or post-production to engage with top-tier producers, distributors, and funding bodies. CIFF will return for its 46th edition from November 12 to 21, 2025, welcoming film professionals and cinema lovers from around the world to celebrate the power and diversity of global storytelling.
Egypt Today
20-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Today
Cairo International Film Festival Announces Selection of " Ayin Hara" for Fantastic 7 Initiative at Cannes Film Festival
The Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) announced the selection of the project "Ayin Hara", directed by Iraqi filmmaker Yasir Kareem, to represent the festival at the prestigious Fantastic 7 initiative. Held annually as part of the Cannes Film Festival, Fantastic 7 is a collaboration between the Cannes Marché du Film and the Sitges Film Festival, renowned for championing genre cinema. Fantastic 7 is a globally respected initiative that highlights the future of genre cinema—fantasy, horror, and science fiction—by showcasing seven promising film projects nominated by seven major international film festivals. "Ayin Hara" was previously selected to participate in CIFF's Cairo Film Connection during the festival's 45th edition in 2024. Set in the hauntingly beautiful marshes of southern Iraq, the film blends myth and reality through a narrative rooted in fear, resistance, and the struggle of a young woman against rigid traditions in a conservative society. On this occasion, renowned actor Hussein Fahmy, President of the Cairo International Film Festival, expressed his pride in the festival's participation in such a significant global initiative. He said: "We are proud to be among the select festivals given the opportunity to nominate a project for Fantastic 7. We believe Ayin Hara brings a unique cinematic voice and a distinct Arab vision that deserves international recognition and support." Through this announcement, CIFF reaffirms its commitment to championing bold and emerging cinematic voices—particularly those reshaping Arab imagination and pushing it toward new creative horizons. The Cairo Film Connection is a vital platform for supporting the film industry across the Arab world and Africa. It takes place as part of Cairo Industry Days, a key segment of the Cairo International Film Festival. The initiative connects filmmakers from the Arab region with producers, distributors, and international funding bodies by showcasing film projects in development or post-production to a jury of global industry experts and decision-makers. Over the years, the Cairo Film Connection has become a launchpad for numerous acclaimed films that have gone on to achieve international festival success. The Cairo International Film Festival is one of the oldest and most esteemed film festivals in the Arab world and Africa. It holds an "A-Category" status from the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF), placing it among the world's top-tier festivals. CIFF offers a rich program each year, including regional and international premieres, alongside a robust industry segment featuring workshops, seminars, and forums designed to support emerging filmmakers. The festival's 46th edition will take place from November 12 to 21, 2025, and will welcome a distinguished lineup of film professionals from around the globe.
Broadcast Pro
27-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Iraqi film ‘The Woodman' joins I'm Migrant Film Festival in London
The film received post-production funding from the Cairo Film Connection and the Doha Film Fund. I'm Migrant Film Festival in London will be screening Iraqi filmmaker Koutaiba Al-Janabi's thriller, The Woodman , on Friday, February 28 at 6:45 pm. Previously, the film was screened at several international festivals, including the Arabisches Film Festival in Berlin, the International Filmmaker Festival of New York and Seville Independent Film Festival, where it received the Bronze Award in the Narrative Films Category. In the Arab world, it was screened at the Abdul-Hameed Shoman Foundation in Jordan. The film project also received the Jury Prize at Cairo Film Connection (CFC) and was funded by the Doha Film Institute. The plot — which is more of a fantasy — revolves around a human-sized wooden doll that is forced to flee its homeland. Along its journey, it crosses paths with several characters to reveal a true picture from the hearts and minds of all those compelled to flee their homelands. Written, directed, produced, and shot by Koutaiba Al-Janabi, The Woodman stars Hanna Heffner and Mihaly Palko. Hugh Williams edited the film, Rana Eid managed the sound, and Nadim Mishlawi composed the music. Meanwhile, MAD Solutions is managing the film's distribution in the Arab world. Hailing from Baghdad, Al-Janabi's artistic journey took him to Budapest, Hungary, where he honed his craft in photography and cinematography. His repertoire includes roles as a producer and director for a range of television projects. He further demonstrated his scholarly pursuits by crafting a PhD thesis that delves into the aesthetics of Arabic cinema.
