Luxor African Film Festival: Strengthening the Bond Between Egyptian and African Cinemas

Honoring a Pioneer: Najib Sanya Receives Recognition

The Syndicate of Cinematographers and the Arab Artists Union honored the great Senegalese writer and critic Najib Sanya, in the presence of screenwriter Sayed Fouad, President of the Luxor African Film Festival, and Dr. Azza El-Husseini, Director of the Festival. Director Mosaad Fouda, President of the Arab Artists Union, emphasized the importance of communication between Egyptian filmmakers and their African brothers, highlighting the close relationship between Senegal and Egypt.

Speaking during the honoring ceremony, Fouda stressed that the recognition is a testament to the importance of continuing this communication and that the Luxor African Film Festival plays a crucial role in strengthening this connection through the honoring of cinematic figures, screening of films, competitions, and the exchange of cultures and experiences.

Communication and Connection: Egyptian and Sudanese Filmmakers Meet

The day concluded with a communication meeting between Egyptian and Sudanese filmmakers, held at the headquarters of the Sudanese Artists Union under the auspices of the Arab Artists Union. The meeting titled “The Impact of Luxor Festival in Spreading African Cinema in the Arab World” saw Director Azza El-Husseini, Founding Director and Director of Luxor Festival, Screenwriter Sayed Fouad, Founder and President of Luxor Festival, and Sudanese Director Abbadi Mahjoub deliver speeches.

Sayed Fouad, the head of the Luxor Festival, spoke about the festival’s importance and its goals. Azza El-Husseini discussed the spreading of African cinema and culture, supporting Egyptian cinema, supporting young African filmmakers, and the difficulties facing cinema. Hesham Mansour talked about the importance of the festival, the difficulties in each session, and the insistence of those in charge on success.

The Sudanese director, Abbadi Mahjoub, spoke about the film industry in Sudan and its relationship with Egyptian cinema. The audience also saw interventions from various speakers, including the director, Ibrahim Shaddad, who advocated for an African Cinema Day to be held on October 1 every year, highlighting the importance of focusing on Sudanese cinema due to the war.

Festival Highlights

The fourteenth session of the Luxor African Film Festival is scheduled to take place from January 9 to 14, 2025, in the city of Luxor, southern Egypt.

Photos

Honoring the critic Najib Sania (1)

Honoring the critic Najib Sania (2)

Conclusion

The Luxor African Film Festival continues to play a vital role in promoting cultural exchange and cooperation between Egyptian and African filmmakers. The honoring of Najib Sanya and the communication meeting between Egyptian and Sudanese filmmakers demonstrate the festival’s commitment to fostering a strong bond between African and Arab cinemas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the date of the 14th Luxor African Film Festival?

A: The festival is scheduled to take place from January 9 to 14, 2025, in Luxor, Egypt.

Q: Who was honored at the Luxor African Film Festival?

A: The great Senegalese writer and critic Najib Sanya was honored at the festival.

Q: What is the main objective of the Luxor African Film Festival?

A: The festival aims to promote cultural exchange and cooperation between Egyptian and African filmmakers, as well as to strengthen the bond between African and Arab cinemas.