CIFF 2024: a new management and renewed ambitions

To the delight of the moviegoers, the Cairo Film International Film Festival (CIFF) has just announced the dates of its next edition, which will take place from November 13 to 22, 2024 at the Cairo Opera. At the head of this edition is the big star, Hussein Fahmy, who took the presidency of the festival in 2022succeeding the screenwriter and producer Mohamed Hefzy, who led the festival for four consecutive years (2018-2021).

In November 2023, this long-awaited edition had unfortunately been canceled by decision of the Minister of Culture, Nevine El-Kilary, in response to the war in the Gaza Strip.

This 2024 edition also marks a turning point with the appointment of the cinematographic critic, Essam Zakaria, as director of the festival, Instead of the director Amir Ramses. Essam Zakaria, a figure respected in the field of cinema, brings with it unparalleled expertise, forged over many years spent studying, analyzing and promoting cinematographic art.

Beyond his reputation as a criticism, Zakaria is a prolific author, having written several works on the cinema which enriched the understanding and appreciation of this complex art. His commitment to the development of cinema is also reflected in his role as president of the Ismailia festival for documentary and short films since 2017, where he has helped to highlight emerging talents around the world.

The 45th edition of the Cairo International Film Festival represents much more than a simple cinematic event. As one of the oldest and most prestigious cinema events in the Arab and African world, this festival embodies the spirit of art and culture, while serving as a platform for intercultural dialogue and the discovery of new cinematographic horizons.

For filmmakers from around the world, it is a great opportunity to present their creations within a prestigious framework, while establishing links with industry professionals and cinema enthusiasts. Registration to participate in this enriching experience will be open from May 1 to August 1, 2024 on The official festival websiteoffering emerging talents a chance to shine on the international scene.

The Cairo International Film Festival is recognized as one of the oldest and prestigious cinematographic events in the Arab and African world. It is distinguished by being the only festival in the region to be recorded in category A of the International Federation of Film Producers (FIAPF) in France, making it one of the 14 largest film festivals in the world. However, its current president Hussein Fahmy, aspires to hoist him among the four biggest film festivals in the world, alongside Cannes, Berlin and Venice festivals. Is this ambitious vision achievable? Well, why not? With its long history and its commitment to cinematographic excellence, the Cairo International Film Festival is well placed to achieve this noble objective.

Neïla Driss