The Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) is officially counting down to its 46th edition, promising a “renaissance” of Egyptian and international cinema.
At a press conference yesterday at Sofitel Downtown, CIFF revealed the full programme for the festival, which runs from November 12 to 21.
The conference was attended by a diverse crowd of artists, diplomats, and cultural figures.
CIFF President Hussein Fahmy inaugurated the ceremony by describing CIFF as “one of the cornerstones of Egypt’s artistic identity.”
“This year’s edition is intentionally focused on the human being, showcasing films that explore human dreams, struggles, and the shared emotional language of cinema,” he explained.
“It is both an honour and a joy to stand before you as someone who believes that genuine art can change reality and plant hope even in the hardest of times,” said Fahmy, who also briefly touched upon a humanitarian note, praising Egypt’s role in mediating a recent ceasefire in Gaza, asserting that art always carries a human message that brings people closer.
A key part of the announcement was the list of both Egyptian and international cinema legends set to be honored including veteran director Mohamed Abdel Aziz who will be awarded the Golden Pyramid for Lifetime Achievement, actor Khaled El Nabawy, who will be awarded the Faten Hamama Excellence Award.
Also, Hungarian director Ildikó Enyedi will be awarded the Golden Pyramid for Lifetime Achievement. Her new film, “The Silent Friend,” will also screen in competition. Palestinian Actress and Filmmaker Hiam Abbass will also be honored for her global contributions and her powerful advocacy for Palestinian and Arab stories.
CIFF’s international Competition Jury will be chaired by acclaimed Turkish filmmaker Nuri Bilge Ceylan.
The jury will oversee a lineup of 12 films from across the globe, including Enyedi’s The Silent Friend and the multi-country co-production Once Upon a Time in Gaza.
The festival reinforced its foundation of support, with Fahmy expressing deep thanks to the Egyptian Ministry of Culture and the Egyptian Opera House, calling the latter “the festival’s warm home.”
Wrapping up, Fahmy promised a “renaissance edition worthy of Egypt’s cinematic legacy” before the official trailer rolled, setting the stage for one of the world’s 15 Category “A” accredited film festivals.
