In a few days, the curtain will rise on the 45ᵉ edition of the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF), scheduled from November 13 to 22, 2024. Preparations are in full swing and excitement is palpable for this long -awaited return, after a year of interruption. In 2023, the organizers had made the difficult decision to postpone the festival due to the war in Gaza, a conflict which has since extended to Lebanon. This year, the CIFF returns with an ambitious program, ready to offer the public and moviegoers a memorable edition.
● This edition had to overcome many challenges, especially after the cancellation of last year. What were the biggest obstacles?
Indeed, this year was marked by unpublished challenges, in particular because of the events which affected the region and forced us to postpone the festival. Given the devastating impact on the Palestinian people-entire communities have been destroyed and countless innocent lives were lost-it was unthinkable to organize the festival at that time. It was our duty to take a break out of respect and solidarity.
However, this postponement decision was not without consequences. The regulation of the International Federation of Film Producers Associations prohibits any new postponement, which forced us to relaunch the organization within particularly tight deadlines. The postponement has thus caused a series of logistical complications: many guests had already confirmed their presence, the juries were formed, and the films selected. It was necessary to start everything again, from the selection of films to the constitution of the juries, because some of the films selected had already been screened in other festivals, and certain members of juries had other commitments. It was a colossal work, but we managed to restore the confidence of our partners, the guests and the public. Our objective remains unchanged: to offer an exceptional edition which reflects the resilience of industry and the richness of cultural dialogue.
● Have financial constraints had a particular impact this year?
Financial challenges affect all festivals today. It’s a fact, and we are no exception. However, we are fortunate to operate in a mixed model, with both public and private supports. This year, despite the circumstances, our sponsors have renewed their confidence, and government support allowed us to guarantee essential budgetary stability.
We were able to strengthen solid partnerships with local businesses such as “Fresh”, an emblematic Egyptian brand, as well as historical partners such as “Spiro Spathis” and the Misr Bank, major actor of Egyptian cinema. Our alliances with Egypt Air and the Egyptian tourism promotion authority, as well as the accommodation of our guests by the Sofitel Hotel, are also assets for the festival.
It is also important to note our commitment to the Palestinian cause. In accordance with our values, we have chosen to boycott any business on the boycott list. This principle of solidarity is at the heart of our approach, and we will continue to defend it.
In a global context where major international events take up position on global issues, it is important for the Cairo Festival to highlight its own causes, such as that of Palestine or Lebanon. This festival, beyond the Cinema Day, is a space for dialogue for fundamental issues.
● What place does teamwork occupy within the festival?
Teamwork is the central element that allows the Cairo Festival to keep its prestige. This collaboration and this common vision are what allows us to overcome the tests. The festival is recognized on the international scene for its high standards, and we do everything to maintain this reputation.
My previous experience as president of the festival allowed me to develop a clear vision of what the festival can bring: to push the limits, to open dialogues and enrich the cultural landscape. This year, with a renewed team, I found an exceptional dynamism and spirit of cooperation. This cohesion is what allowed us to move forward, and it ensures not only survival but the continuous growth of the festival. Together, we build a bright future for the Cairo International Film Festival.
● What are the highlights of this edition?
This year, we make it a point of honor to promote Palestinian cinemawhich testifies to the resilience and aspirations of a people. We want to offer a platform to Palestinian voices, as well as those of Lebanon, which bring a unique perspective on universal issues. The festival is a meeting place, a space of solidarity and reflection which gives the floor to filmmakers of the region to tell their history to an international audience.
This year’s edition transcends the simple celebration of cinema; It is a commitment to values of justice, peace and freedom. Each film is a powerful testimony, an invitation to share a vision of the world that goes beyond borders.
● How does the Festival support young filmmakers and cinema students?
Since my first mandate as president of the festival (from 1998 to 2001), supporting young talents has been a personal commitment. I myself discovered the power of cinema as a student at the Institute of Advanced Cinematographic Studies, during the projections of the festival. Today, I wish to offer this same opportunity to new generations, whether young filmmakers or film enthusiasts.
This year, the festival is strengthening this commitment by widening “Cairo industry days”, an initiative that is growing. We have also revived the Cairo industry market, suspended for several years, in order to create a dynamic space for exchanges and collaborations. In parallel, we celebrate the Egyptian cinematographic heritage in the restaurant of local cinema classics, to transmit this culture to new generations.
In short, we strive to create bridges between the past and the future of cinema, by supporting emerging talents while honoring the works that have marked the history of the film industry.
● The festival extends its projections beyond the Cairo Opera and the city center. Why this choice?
Traditionally, projections concentrated around the Cairo opera and downtown, but this year, we have chosen to extend to areas like the city of October 6 and the new Cairo, thanks to a partnership with Vox Cinemas. This is an important step to allow a wider audience to take advantage of the festival. Cairo is an expanding city, and all the inhabitants do not have easily access to the city center.
By widening our radius of action, we strengthen the inclusiveness of the festival. It is also a way of opening a rich cultural experience to those who were perhaps deprived of it, by making cinema accessible to all, wherever they live.
● Has the festival media coverage played a role in the revival of its international image?
Media coverage, both Arab and International, is essential to restore the image of the festival. This year, we have benefited from unprecedented interest, with coverage from everyone Arab and many international media. In addition, we have strengthened our partnerships with influential publications like Forbes USA,, Variety,, Screen Daily And Verdict filmas well as with local platforms such as Watch it And Shahid.
This increased presence in the media stresses that the Cairo Festival is well back. The postponement of the previous edition has enabled introspection, and this edition marks a real revival. We hope to welcome a large audience for this edition full of captivating films, unpublished events, and opportunities to meet with filmmakers and personalities of cinema. In 2022, the festival attracted more than 45,000 spectators; This year, we hope to exceed this figure and receive an even wider audience, both Egyptian and international.
