Latest news with #EgyptFilmCommission
Egypt Today
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Today
Egyptian Cinema Takes Center Stage: Four Powerful Films Dominate Cannes Film Festival This Year
Egyptian Cinema Takes Center Stage: Four Powerful Films Dominate Cannes Film Festival This Year. This year, the Cannes Film Festival turns its gaze toward East Cairo with Aisha Can't Fly Away, the gripping debut from Egyptian director Morad Mostafa. Featured in the prestigious Un Certain Regard section, the film is a raw, emotionally charged portrait of a 26-year-old Somali woman navigating refugee life in Ain Shams. Fresh off a Best Post-Production win at Venice 2024, this breakout feature arrives at the Cannes Film Festival with undeniable momentum. Co-written by Mostafa, Mohammad Abdulqader, and Sawsan Yusuf, the film doesn't just tell a story—it builds a world of resilience, identity, and survival. With powerful performances from Buliana Simona, Emad Ghoneim, Mamdouh Salah, and rapper Ziad Zaza, Aisha Can't Fly Away proves Egypt's cinematic voice is not just rising—it's roaring. In Life After Siham, French-Egyptian director Namir Abdel Messeeh turns grief into art. Premiering in Cannes' ACID section, the Egyptian documentary is a heartfelt exploration of memory, loss, and the magic of storytelling. 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. What happens when a man fakes blindness to join a football team? Omar Hilal's Voy! Voy! Voy! blends humor & heartbreak — earning Cannes Critics Award nominations for Best Actor (Mohamed Farrag) and Best Editing. 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 Cairo International Film Festival, El Gouna Film Festival & the Egypt Film Commission. Egypt dominates the 9th Cannes Critics Awards for Arab Films with Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo and Voy! Voy! Voy! Multiple nominations — a clear sign of the country's cinematic revival on the global stage.
Egypt Today
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Today
Egypt Wins Best Pavilion Design Award at 78th Cannes Film Festival
Egypt has won the Best Pavilion Design Award at the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, marking a significant milestone that reinforces the country's renewed standing on the global cinematic stage. This year, Egypt participated with a unified pavilion featuring the Egypt Film Commission, the Cairo International Film Festival, and the El Gouna Film Festival. This strategic alliance was formed to consolidate efforts, elevate Egypt's presence at international industry events, and present a comprehensive vision of the country's cinematic capabilities. The award was received in a celebratory atmosphere by representatives of the three entities. The pavilion was widely praised by both festival organizers and visitors for its outstanding design and rich, diverse programming. Throughout the festival, the Egyptian pavilion hosted daily events, including high-level panel discussions, bilateral meetings, and large-scale receptions, all of which attracted strong international attendance. During these sessions, the Egyptian delegation presented an in-depth overview of the services and extensive support offered by the Egypt Film Commission—part of the Egyptian Media Production City—to global filmmakers looking to shoot in Egypt. This includes the facilitation of permits, customs coordination, and comprehensive logistical support. The pavilion also showcased several major productions recently filmed in Egypt, which received enthusiastic praise and sparked interest from producers and companies keen to develop new projects in the country. This recognition underscores the importance of collaboration between the Egypt Film Commission, the Cairo International Film Festival, and the El Gouna Film Festival in enhancing Egypt's international visibility and reinforcing its status as a leading hub for film production in the region and beyond.
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
Hussein Fahmy from Cannes: Hollywood No Longer Global Cinema Sole Hub
Rana Atef Renowned actor Hussein Fahmy, President of Cairo International Film Festival, took part in a distinguished panel discussion titled "From Hollywood to Cairo: Bridging the American and Egyptian Film Industries", held as part of Egypt's official pavilion program at the Marché du Film during Cannes Film Festival 2025. The session explored potential avenues for collaboration between filmmakers in Egypt and the United States, focusing on joint projects that could drive transformative shifts in the independent film landscape and foster new opportunities for cultural and production exchange. In his remarks, Fahmy emphasized that Hollywood is no longer the sole epicenter of global cinema, citing rising competition from major markets such as China, which is now producing innovative and advanced cinematic models. He added that Egypt is actively seeking to expand its cinematic partnerships across Asian, African, and European markets in pursuit of broader creative cooperation and international openness. Egypt's pavilion is jointly organized by Cairo International Film Festival, El Gouna Film Festival, and the Egypt Film Commission (EFC), with a mission to position Egypt as a unique global filming destination and a fully integrated production hub. The initiative also supports emerging Egyptian talent through interactive panels and networking events that foster connections with leading figures in the global film industry. This session stands out as one of the key highlights of Egypt's participation this year, shedding light on the vast potential Egypt offers as an emerging destination on the global production map. 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
Egypt Today
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Today
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 also supported Life After Siham by Namir Abdel Messiah, 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.
