The 46th Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) opened on Wednesday in a spectacular ceremony honouring Egypt’s cinematic legacy and global cultural influence.
The event, held at the Cairo Opera House, brought together leading figures in Arab and international cinema.
The festival offers a rich and varied programme, which includes over 150 films from round the world, spread over 11 different competitions and programmes, promising a unique cinematic experience for both the audience and critics.
“Egypt, the land of art, culture, and history, is reshaping its present through the devoted efforts of its people,” the festival’s president Hussein Fahmy said during the opening. He praised Egypt’s support for Sudan, Lebanon, and Palestine, and laudedSharm El-Sheikh Agreement to stop the war on Gaza as “a reflection of Egypt’s conscience.”
In his inaugural speech, Minister of Culture Ahmed Fouad Heno described the cinema as “a bridge connecting peoples through one universal language — the language of beauty and humanity,” promising that this year’s edition would place “the human being at the heart of the story.” He added that “True art is not merely shown on a screen — it lives in the conscience of all humanity.”
Returning to the stage, Hussein Fahmy highlighted the Egyptian Film Restoration Project, an initiative to preserve and digitise over 1,400 classic films. “This project stems from our awareness of the importance of our artistic heritage,” he said, thanking the Cultural and Cinematic Investment Holding Company and the Film Restoration Centre for their role in safeguarding Egyptian cinema’s legacy.
The evening’s tributes underscored CIFF’s role as a bridge between Egypt and world cinema. Acclaimed Turkish filmmaker Nuri Bilge Ceylan, president of the international competition jury, received the Golden Pyramid for Lifetime Achievement, expressing pride in being honoured in Cairo.
Actor Khaled El Nabawy accepted the Faten Hamama Excellence Award. Later, director Mohamed Abdel Aziz was honoured with the Golden Pyramid for Lifetime Achievement for his rich career in film, theater, and television.
The evening concluded with the screening of the Brazilian film The Blue Trail.
