The Cairo Film Connection (CFC), an essential showcase for Arab Development cinema, revealed the 18 projects selected for its tenth edition, which will be held from November 17 to 20 as part of the 45th Cairo Film International Festival (CIFF).
Created to provide concrete support to Arab filmmakers and allow them to finalize or launch their works, the CFC has established itself over the years as a meeting place, financing and networking for cinema professionals. This year, the selection brings together projects in the post-production and development phase, from ten countries: Egypt, Tunisia, Iraq, Lebanon, Kuwait, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Morocco and Algeria. The geographic and thematic diversity of works testifies to the vitality and commitment of Arab cinema. The Cairo Film Connection (CFC) is part of the Cairo Industry Days and serves as a platform for discussions, networking, workshops and round tables aimed at highlighting and supporting Arab talents.
Cairo Film Connection, an essential platform for Arabic cinema
On the occasion of its tenth anniversary, the Cairo Film Connection decided to add an additional project by category, in order to reflect the richness of proposals and to encourage more talents in the Arab world. Rodrigo Brum, new director of the CFC, underlines this spirit of support and diversity: “To celebrate a decade of support for Arab filmmakers, we have chosen to include an additional project in each category this year. This expansion reflects not only the quality of applications, but also the diversity of ideas and approaches that capture the current dynamics of Arab cinema, both in the region and in the diaspora. With our partners and sponsors, we are waiting for an exceptional and festive edition.»»
The president of CIFF, Hussein Fahmy, also highlighted the importance of the CFC as a strategic platform for the Arab film industry: “ The Cairo Film Connection is a very respected platform for Egyptian and Arab filmmakers. It allows them to receive essential support to advance their projects. I was very satisfied with the discussions that took place during the last edition, and I am delighted with the success and the impact that the forum each year. This benefits the whole film industry in Arab countries thanks to influential and solid projects supported by the festival. »»
Essam Zakaria, director of the CIFF and film critic, adds that the CFC has become a vital support space: “The Cairo Film Connection has reached its tenth edition and, over the years, it has played a major role for Arab filmmakers, by providing them with crucial support for the development and dissemination of their films, which are then presented in international forums and festivals. Among the projects of previous editions, some have experienced notable successes internationally, as Inshallah a boy And Olffa’s girls/Daughters oven,, Who both won three prizes at the Cannes Film Festival. Olffa’s girls From the Tunisian Kaouther Ben Hania was even appointed to the Oscar 2024 for best documentary.
Projects selected in the post-production phase
The works selected in the post-production phase this year illustrate the diversity of Arab voices and realities, each bringing a unique perspective:
1. 40 years of silence by Maythem Ridha (Iraq)
This Iraqi documentary returns to the repercussions of an oppressive silence and explores the resulting wounds, in a political context marked by the recent history of Iraq.
2. Thank You Satan from Hicham Lasri (Morocco)
This fiction feature film signed Hicham Lasri is distinguished by its audacity. Thank You Satan Questions the faith, the crises of modernity and Moroccan society from a provocative angle, specific to the director’s unique aesthetics.
3. Barcha from Nada Hafaiedh (Tunisia)
The Tunisian project Barchaa post-production documentary is produced by Nada Hafaiedh, a rising figure in Tunisian cinema. Producer and director, Nada Hafaiedh has already been rewarded for her documentary Upon The Shadow / Beyond the Shadow (2017), which won the bronze tanit at the Carthage cinematographic day. It is also distinguished this year with Between two/Take My Breathselected to represent Tunisia at 2025 Oscars in the category of best international film. With BarchaNada Hafaiedh is about to explore deep social themes, always with an intimate look that invites you to reflect on contemporary challenges in Tunisia.
4. You don’t die Two Times Hager Oueslati (Algeria)
In this poignant documentary, Hager Oueslati explores existential dimensions with a poetic approach, capturing moments of vulnerability and resilience in Algeria.
5. My Father’s Scent by Mohamed Siam (Egypt)
A feature film centered on the father-son relationship and the memories of childhood, highlighting universal feelings and themes of parentage in contemporary Egyptian society.
6. Big Boys don cry by Muhammad Mustapha (Egypt)
This documentary offers an unprecedented perspective on masculinities and the way in which they are built in current Egyptian culture, a subject rarely addressed in the cinema.
Projects in the development phase
In development, the selection includes projects that attack current affairs and stories rooted in the socio-economic realities of Arab countries:
1. All The Colors Blue by Maysaa Almumin (Kuweit)
An introspective exploration of identity and emotional diversity, this feature film seeks to paint human complexities in the Middle Oriental context.
2. Dry Sky Ibrahim Omar (Sudan)
This documentary highlights the ecological challenges of Sudan, with particular attention to the consequences of drought and climate change on rural populations.
3. Of debt and money of Houssem Sansa (Tunisia)
The second selected Tunisian project, Of debt and money From Houssem Sansa, addresses a burning subject in Tunisia: the effects of debt and the economic crisis on individuals. The director offers an analysis of daily life by taking an interest in compromises and sacrifices imposed by economic pressures. In a Tunisia marked by economic upheavals, Of debt and money promises to be a captivating work which seizes the link between money, dignity and personal hopes, revealing the economic and moral dilemmas facing many Tunisians.
4. Ninety – Sixty – Thirty by Hany Yassa (Egypt)
A documentary that explores generations in Egypt, offering an intimate look at societal expectations and experiences of three different generations.
5. Ayin Hara by Yasir Kareem (Iraq)
This fiction film looks at human relations in a transitional society, bringing a sensitive perspective on social dynamics in Iraq.
6. Before Now, Later from Karim Kassem (Lebanon)
An introspective documentary on current Lebanon, marked by socio-political crises. Kassem captures the hopes and disillusions of a youth in search of renewal.
7. Exodus by Rasha Shahin (Egypt)
A feature film that explores the notion of exile and displacement, telling the stories of those who have gone in search of a better life.
8. Amal by Khaled al Swidan (Jordan)
This personal documentary is interested in the figure of Amal, a strong woman who embodies the challenges and aspirations of Jordanian women.
9. Kohl and Cardamom from Fady Atallah (Egypt)
In this feature film, Fady Atallah depicts the characters who fight for their freedom and their identity, in a traditional Egyptian context.
10. The North Wind Eliane Raheb (Lebanon)
Eliane Raheb, with this documentary, highlights the resilience of Lebanese society in the face of political changes and upheavals.
11. Dancing on Fire of Hana Alomair (Saudi Arabia)
This feature film explores tensions and dilemmas in a changing Saudi society, addressing the challenges of modernity.
12.: My Dream to Fly of Asmaa Gamal (Egypt)
This documentary follows characters who dream of emancipation and freedom, capturing their daily desires and struggles.
