The American Academy of Arts and Cinema Sciences has unveiled its limited lists for several categories for the 2025 Oscars. Among these films, three remarkable works that had been selected during the 45th edition of the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) are in the restricted list of the category of the best international film. These films are: From Ground Zero (Palestine), I’m still here (Brazil) and Dahomey (Senegal).
Hussein Fahmy, the president of the festival, expressed his pride in the face of this accomplishment by declaring: ” The integration of these films into the restricted list of Oscars is not only a recognition for their creators, but also an assertion that cinema is a bridge that unites cultures and promotes human values. The Cairo International Film Festival has always been a launch platform for these creations, proving that Egyptian cinema occupies a central place on the world artistic scene. »»
This extraordinary cinematographic project brings together 22 short films carried out in Gaza in 2024, testifying to the daily life and the challenges faced by the Palestinians since the start of the war. During the CIFF, three of these short films each won a prize of $ 1,000, awarded by the company Misr International Films (Youssef Chahine). These are:
- Soft skin from Khamis Masharawi
- No signal by Muhammad al sharif
- A School Day Ahmed al Danaf
I’m still here (Brazil)
This Brazilian feature film tells the poignant story of a mother forced to rediscover herself when the violence and dictatorship of the 1970s upset her family. During its screening at the Cairo Festival, the film seduced critics, which praised the power of its interpretation and the eloquence of its staging. I’m still here is also appointed for the Golden Globe 2025 for the best international film.
Dahomey (Senegal)
This film retraces the return of 26 royal treasures looted in the kingdom of Dahomey and exhibited in Paris, before being returned to Benin. Thanks to an immersive narration and a creative achievement, Dahomey won the Best African feature film prize at the Cairo Festival, awarded by the “Africa No Filter” foundation. The film is also preselected for Oscars in two categories: Best documentary and best international film.
Memoir of a snail (Australia)
Among the other remarkable films of the Cairo International Film Festival, Memoir of a snailan animated film presented during this edition, is appointed for the Golden Globe 2025 in the category of the best animated film.
A 45th striking edition
The 45th edition of the Cairo International Film Festival, which was held from November 13 to 22, 2024, brought together an impressive selection of more than 190 films from 70 countries. This event was a showcase of cultural dialogue and commitment to artistic diversity.
This edition was also marked by tributes paid to emblematic figures of cinema, such as the Egyptian director Yousry Nasrallah, actor Ahmed Ezz and the Bosnian filmmaker Danis Tanović. These recognitions added an additional touch of sparkle to a festival already rich in emotions and quality content.
The Cairo International Film Festival continues to play a central role in promoting global cinematography, affirming its status as one of the most prestigious cultural events in the region.
