ASWAN (MENA) – Minister of Culture Gihan Zaki attended the opening ceremony of the 10th edition of the Aswan International Women Film Festival (AIWFF), held in the Upper Egyptian city of Aswan under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture between April 20-25.
This year’s edition is named after pioneering Egyptian actress Aziza Amir, marking the 125th anniversary of her birth, in recognition of her inspiring career and role in laying the foundations of Egyptian cinema.
The event witnessed broad artistic and cultural participation, celebrating the festival’s journey and its prominent role in supporting women’s issues through cinema.
Addressing the event, the minister expressed pleasure at being in the historic city of Aswan, long a source of inspiration for art and beauty.
She stressed that the festival has become an important international platform for cultural and human dialogue, and has, since its launch, established itself as the first Egyptian festival dedicated to addressing women’s issues through cinema.
Naming the 10th edition after Aziza Amir reflects deep appreciation for one of the pioneers of Egyptian cinema, whose contributions paved the way for generations of female creators, the minister said.
She affirmed that the Aswan International Women Film Festival represents a distinguished model of cooperation between civil society and state institutions, as it is organized by a non-governmental association bearing its name, reflecting a genuine awareness of the importance of partnership in supporting cultural work.
The ceremony was attended by Aswan Governor Amr Lashin, President of the National Council for Women Amal Ammar, Head of the European Union Delegation to Egypt Angelina Eichhorst, Chair of the Festival’s Board of Trustees Ambassador Mervat Tallawy, Festival President screenwriter Mohamed Abdel Khaleq, and Festival Director journalist Hassan Abu El Ela.
