After a year of interruption due to the tragic events of Gaza, the Cairo International Film Festival made its comeback on November 13, 2024. The 45ᵉ edition, dedicated to the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples bruised by murderous wars, imposed itself as a vibrant plea for peace and resilience, while honoring the 7ᵉ art in all its splendor.
An opening under the sign of Palestine
From the first minutes of the opening ceremony, organized at the Cairo Opera, the tone was set. An overwhelming tribute to Palestinian culture marked the spirits with a performance of DabkePalestinian folk dance. The artists, who came from Gaza, wore traditional costumes and keffiehs, symbols of their identity and their resistance.
The performance was accompanied by the committed song Falastiniand the scene illuminated in the colors of Palestine. This highlight, responsible for emotion, was followed by the intervention of Hussein Fahmy, president of the festival, who joined the dancers to applaud them warmly. He said:
“” These artists are proof that, despite suffering, Palestinian culture remains alive and vibrant. »»
Omnipresent symbols of solidarity
The guests of the ceremony received pines representing the Palestinian flag, which many proudly displayed. Some were dressed in tribute to Palestine, wearing Keffieh pattern scarves or embroidered traditional dresses. This initiative aimed to underline the solidarity of the cinematographic community with the Palestinian people.
Hussein Fahmy recalled that this edition, initially planned in 2023, had been canceled out of solidarity with Gaza: “ We could not remain indifferent to this tragedy. This year, it was impossible to postpone again, but we have chosen to dedicate this edition to our brothers and sisters in Palestine and Lebanon, who continue to suffer. »»
A ceremony marked with emotion and memory
In a moving speech, Hussein Fahmy, visibly deeply affected by the recent loss of his brother Mustafa Fahmy, expressed that, despite the sadness and the tests, the artists have a responsibility for their audience, which they must fill. He insisted that ” The show must continue ». His words betray not only personal pain, but also an unshakable conviction as to the mission of artists, even in the most difficult moments.
His remarks also seem to send a direct response to the criticisms expressed on social networks, where some questioned his presence at the recent press conference announcing the festival program, when he had just said goodbye to his brother. Hussein Fahmy, despite his mourning, chose to maintain his commitment to the festival. As president, he was responsible for not dropping months of work and the efforts of a multitude of people invested in the success of this edition. Abandoning was not an option. Pain can live in the soul, but life, with its obligations, continues for those who have responsibilities to honor.
Hussein Fahmy also took the opportunity to pay tribute to the figures of Egyptian cinema disappeared in 2024. He stressed that ” Art is present in tests and crises; Cinema has this power to tell lives, dreams and victories. Some are no longer with us, but their work continues to resonate And listed names such as Ashraf Abdel Ghaffour, Nahed Farid Shawky, Salah al-Saadani, Essam Al-Shamaa, Atef Beshay, Hassan Youssef, as well as his own brother Mustafa Fahmy. He also mentioned the role of cinema as a guardian of collective memory, declaring: ” Cinema is a weapon against oblivion. We must continue to tell the stories, even when we are overwhelmed by pain. »»
120 years of Egyptian cinema: restore to preserve
One of the major initiatives of this edition of the festival was the restoration and digitization of essential works of Egyptian cinema. Hussein Fahmy recalled the importance of this approach by specifying: ” Egyptian cinema, which is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year, is one of the richest cinematographic heritage in the world. But this treasure is in danger: the films deteriorate over time, and we risk losing masterpieces forever. »»
Launched during the last edition in 2022 with two films restored, this initiative has gained considerable scale this year. Ten classic films, including The Palace of Desire,, Fall birds And Something of fearwere restored and subtitled to be projected in the best conditions to the public of the festival.
During his speech, Hussein Fahmy also unveiled a video showing extracts from films before and after restoration, highlighting the colossal work done to restore these works their original shine. He added: ” Currently, 12 other films are being restored. Ultimately, we aim to save the 1,140 films that make up our cinematographic heritage. »»
These restored films are not only intended for Egyptian spectators. Thanks to the subtitles, they can be broadcast in festivals and cinematheques around the world, thus offering a second life to these forgotten jewels.
New initiatives and competitions
In addition to the Restoration, the festival launched this year the Art 74 initiative, which aims to promote dialogue between visual artists and filmmakers, highlighting the interconnection of the arts. Then were presented the films in competition in the different categories, followed by a presentation of the members of the jury. A tribute was paid to the president of the jury, Danis Tanović, by a projection of extracts from his films, recalling his impact in international cinema.
Tribute to Yousry Nasrallah: a cinema master
The highlight of the evening was the delivery of the Golden Pyramid for his entire career to director Yousry Nasrallah. This visionary filmmaker, known for his daring works as Mercedes, the city, The sun door And After the battlemarked Egyptian cinema by exploring complex themes such as identity, politics and social inequalities.
In her speech, Nasrallah praised the importance of cinema as a tool for reflection and unification: ” Cinema allows us to understand our past, to question our present and to dream of a better future. »»
He also paid tribute to the Palestinian filmmakers, described as ” Guardians of memory and hope ».
Ahmed Ezz: an Honoré exceptional actor
The ceremony also honored Egyptian actor Ahmed Ezz, an emblematic figure of Arab cinema, by awarding him the Faten Hamama Prize for artistic excellence.
Returning to his beginnings, Ahmed Ezz delivered a moving speech, telling how his parents were against that he abandoned a stable job to turn to cinema, and how to attend the opening of the Cairo Festival was a dream for him. “” When I started, I hadn’t imagined that I would stand here today. This price is not only for me, but for all those who have supported me and taught me to believe in me. »»
He dedicated this award to his deceased parents and his mentor, Adel Imam, before concluding: ” I consider this price as a motivation to go even further. »»
A poignant opening film: Dreams by Rashid Masharawi
The evening ended with the projection of Dreamsa film by Palestinian director Rashid Masharawi. Shot in 2023 before the start of the war, this feature film explores with sensitivity the injustices suffered by the Palestinian people.
An edition rich in events and competitions
With 190 films from 72 countries, including 37 first in the world, the Cairo Festival 2024 promises to be a major celebration of world cinema. Projections, discussions with filmmakers and workshops offer a unique platform to explore the challenges of contemporary cinema.
But beyond films, this edition is distinguished by its humanist message: a vibrant tribute to cultures that resist in the face of trials.
Neïla Driss
