The Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) has announced the launch of a new professional platform titled “Cairo Pro-Meet”, set to debut during the festival’s upcoming 46th edition, from November 12 to 21, 2025. Established under the umbrella of the Cairo Film Market and as part of Cairo Industry Days, this initiative aims to strengthen the festival’s role as a vital bridge between Arab filmmakers and the international film industry.
Designed as a dynamic networking and collaboration space, Cairo Pro-Meet will bring together emerging and established filmmakers with producers, distributors, and industry leaders from across the region and beyond. Through curated meetings, workshops, and one-on-one sessions, the program will provide opportunities to exchange ideas, discuss creative and financial strategies, and explore the full spectrum of filmmaking—from development to production and distribution.
A Hub for Creative Exchange
With Cairo Pro-Meet, the CIFF reinforces its commitment to positioning Egypt as a key cinematic hub in the Arab world and the broader global landscape. By facilitating dialogue and collaboration, the festival seeks to foster long-term partnerships and empower Arab storytellers to connect with international experts. The initiative also reflects the festival’s ongoing mission to nurture talent and expand the global reach of Arab cinema, ensuring that voices from the region gain visibility and access to global markets.
Cairo Industry Days, launched a few years ago, has already become a cornerstone of the Arab film industry, offering a platform for professionals to network, pitch projects, and discover new collaborations. Cairo Pro-Meet builds on this foundation, taking the festival’s industry efforts to a new level—one that emphasizes mentorship, professional development, and cross-border cooperation.
Supporting Arab Talent on a Global Stage
By introducing Cairo Pro-Meet, the festival deepens its support for creative innovation and talent development. The program is conceived not only as a meeting point but as an incubator for future collaborations and co-productions. Participants will gain access to leading voices in the industry—producers, festival programmers, financiers, and digital platform representatives—who can offer insights and open new doors for Arab filmmakers.
This focus on mentorship and exchange underscores CIFF’s evolving role as a regional leader in film development. As global film production models evolve, Cairo Pro-Meet will help Arab filmmakers navigate emerging opportunities while maintaining their artistic identity and storytelling authenticity.
Cairo as a Cinematic Crossroads
Beyond the professional goals, Cairo Pro-Meet highlights the city’s enduring role as a cultural crossroads—a meeting point between Africa, the Arab world, and Europe. By anchoring this initiative in Cairo, the festival reaffirms its belief that the Egyptian capital remains a natural gathering place for filmmakers, producers, and visionaries shaping the future of cinema.
Through Cairo Pro-Meet, the Cairo International Film Festival not only strengthens its own industry platform but also takes a decisive step toward establishing a sustainable ecosystem for Arab and international film collaboration. As the 46th edition approaches, the festival continues to evolve—not just as a celebration of cinema, but as a driving force for creativity, dialogue, and global connection in the film world.
Neïla Driss
