The Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Coventry University Cairo, hosted at The Knowledge Hub Universities (TKH), to be inaugurated alongside the opening of the new Coventry Media Hub on 24 September 2025 at TKH’s campus in the New Administrative Capital. This collaboration represents a significant effort to bridge academic excellence with Egypt’s dynamic film and media industry, offering students and young filmmakers unprecedented access to professional pathways and cultural engagement.
The inauguration event will feature the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the CIFF, held under the auspices of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, and Coventry University. The ceremony will also mark the official launch of the Media Hub, an advanced creative studio designed to serve students, academics, and members of the wider film community. The opening is expected to attract prominent figures, including renowned actor Hussein Fahmy, President of the Cairo International Film Festival.
Hussein Fahmy emphasized the significance of the partnership:
“Our collaboration with Coventry University marks an important step in integrating academic expertise with professional pathways in the film industry. We are committed to supporting young talent and providing the ideal environment for learning and real-world experience, reinforcing the festival’s role as a platform for launching new voices and preparing future generations to shape the future of Egyptian and Arab cinema.”
Prof. Ebtissam Farid, Head of the School of Design & Media at Coventry University Cairo, reflected on the initiative:
“The signing of this MoU with the Cairo International Film Festival reinforces our mission to integrate education with culture and industry. The Media Hub will allow our students to learn in an environment that mirrors real-world practice, while engaging directly with Egypt’s vibrant film community. This ensures that graduates are academically prepared, culturally aware, and industry-ready.”
Prof. Marouan Omara, Film Production Course Director at Coventry University Cairo, added:
“This partnership represents a new era for students and emerging filmmakers in Egypt. By linking classroom learning with opportunities at one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals, we are equipping our students with the tools, networks, and experiences necessary to succeed in the global creative industries.”
Mohamed Tarek, film critic and Artistic Director of the CIFF, highlighted the broader cultural implications:
“We are keen to provide platforms where artistic vision merges with technological advancement and international expertise. This collaboration reflects the festival’s commitment to supporting ambitious projects and discovering bold new talents with creative vision.”
Partnership Details
Under the agreement, Coventry University will feature in a dedicated pavilion at the CIFF Film Market, providing students with direct access to industry leaders and professionals. The university will also showcase its latest digital media tools to support the festival’s Immersive Technologies (XR) exhibition, integrating interactive technologies into CIFF’s programming.
The Media Hub, inaugurated during the event, will serve as a cornerstone for education and cultural exchange, offering hands-on training facilities and fostering innovation in digital media production. Through this initiative, Coventry University Cairo strengthens its position as a cultural and creative hub, nurturing the next generation of filmmakers and media professionals.
Founded in 1976, the Cairo International Film Festival is among the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in the Arab world and Africa. Recognized internationally in Category A by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF), it maintains a vital role in promoting Arab cinema on the global stage.
Coventry University, one of the UK’s leading higher education institutions, is known for its emphasis on applied learning, innovation, and global engagement. Its Cairo branch, established through The Knowledge Hub Universities, provides internationally accredited programmes designed to bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice, ensuring students graduate fully prepared for careers in the creative industries.
Neïla Driss
