The Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) management selected the Egyptian short film “Issa” to participate in the short film competition within activities of 45th edition, which is scheduled to start from November 15 to 24, 2023, at Cairo Opera House.
The film will be shown for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa, after its participation in Critics’ Week competition at Cannes International Film Festival.
The film tells the story of Issa, a 17-year-old African immigrant in Egypt, who races against time after a violent accident, to save his loved ones, no matter what.
“Issa” is directed by Mourad Mostafa, starring Kenny Marcelino and Kenzi Mohamed, director of photography Mustafa Al-Kashef, edited by Mohamed Mamdouh, screenplay by Mourad Mostafa and Sawsan Youssef.
The film is an Egyptian-French joint production between Bonanza Films, producer Sawsan Youssef, French producer Margot Laurier, Red Star, Sea Cinema, Shift Studios and Film Clinic.
“We are proud of selecting the first Egyptian film for this year’s Cairo Festival, after years of following the distinguished director Mourad Mostafa’s journey, amazingly followed recently by the movie reaching Critics’ Week competition at the Cannes Festival. I am happy that we are celebrating the success of this distinguished film,” said Amir Ramses, director of Cairo International Film Festival.
The director of the movie, Murad Mostafa said that he is very glad that “Issa” is participating in the upcoming edition of Cairo International Film Festival, which he will return to again this year after 3 years since screening of his first film, “Hennat Ward” in its 42nd edition.
“Especially that Cairo International Film Festival holds dear and vital importance to me, being the first festival that I attended in my life as a teenager to watch international films. It is definitely an honor for any director that his film is selected to be shown among this distinguished audience that crowds cinema halls with a great passion for watching rather amazing movies,” Mostafa added.
CIFF management has previously announced opening submissions for film projects in the tenth edition of the Cairo Film Forum, as part of the activities of its 45th session. Filmmakers can submit their projects and films in post-production, starting from Sunday, May 7, until Friday, August 7.
Cairo International Film Festival is one of the oldest and most regular festivals in the Arab world and Africa, privileged of being the only festival in the Arab and African region registered under Category A at the International Federation of Producers in Paris (FIAPF).
