In an eloquent press conference, Hussein Fahmy, President of the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) , addressed the ambitious revival of the ev
In an eloquent press conference, Hussein Fahmy, President of the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) , addressed the ambitious revival of the event’s 45th edition following its postponement last year due to significant regional circumstances. Fahmy spoke candidly about the challenges encountered and the renewed efforts that led to the festival’s highly anticipated return.
Reflecting on the circumstances surrounding the delay, Fahmy explained, “The decision to postpone last year’s edition was driven by solidarity with the Palestinian people amid their suffering, which made holding the festival impossible. The rescheduling brought logistical complexities, including canceling guest invitations, flight bookings, and hotel reservations, but these efforts were necessary to prioritize human values.”
Rebuilding CIFF involved substantial reorganization. “We had to start from scratch—reforming jury panels, selecting new films, and reshaping our plans as some of our original selections premiered at other festivals,” Fahmy noted. The dedication to rebuilding trust and securing support from international festivals highlighted the resilience and adaptability of the team, ensuring a robust lineup this year.
Financial and Logistical Strengths: Fahmy addressed the financial challenges that all festivals face globally, emphasizing, “Despite universal funding issues, CIFF is unique in operating through a dual public-private partnership, securing strong backing from both sponsors and the state. This support has stabilized our budget, enabling effective operations and ensuring a high-quality program.” Fahmy proudly shared that this year’s sponsors are primarily Egyptian, demonstrating a deep commitment to the local industry.
Solidarity with Palestinian and Lebanese Communities: Fahmy reiterated the festival’s unwavering support for the Palestinian and Lebanese people, underlining, “Highlighting their stories and struggles through art is our duty. It is our way of standing in solidarity and amplifying voices that demand justice.”
A Platform for Youth and Emerging Filmmakers: A notable aspect of Fahmy’s leadership is his focus on nurturing young talent. He said, “Having chaired CIFF from 1998 to 2001 and resuming the role in 2022, I’ve always prioritized opportunities for students and emerging filmmakers. This year, we continue that legacy with expanded programs and new initiatives such as discounted tickets and screenings tailored for film students and enthusiasts.”
The Revival of the Cairo Film Market: Fahmy expressed excitement about reinstating the festival’s film market, a project he initiated during his earlier tenure. “Bringing back the market allows CIFF to remain relevant and adaptive to modern cinematic needs,” he said. This platform will showcase new technology and promote industry engagement, enriching the festival’s offerings and supporting filmmakers.
Commitment to Preserving Cinema Heritage: Another highlight of the current edition is the restoration of Egyptian cinema classics. Fahmy revealed, “We have successfully restored ten films this year, with twelve more in progress. Each restored film is subtitled to cater to international audiences, reflecting our dedication to celebrating and preserving our cinematic legacy.”
Expanding CIFF’s Reach: This year, CIFF extends beyond its traditional venue at the Cairo Opera House to new urban areas, including October City and New Cairo, through partnerships with local cinema chains. “This expansion ensures broader access to the festival, reaching audiences who might not frequent central Cairo,” Fahmy explained.
Media Engagement and Coverage: Fahmy highlighted the strong media presence at the festival. “We are thrilled by the interest from Arab and international journalists. Esteemed publications like Forbes, Variety, Screen Daily, and Film Verdict are covering the festival, underscoring CIFF’s significant role on the global stage,” he stated.
Concluding his remarks, Fahmy conveyed a message of optimism: “This year marks a powerful comeback for CIFF—a ‘new beginning,’ as they say. We’ve rebuilt, regained our momentum, and are ready to deliver an experience that celebrates cinema and its profound stories. I invite everyone to join us, engage with the diverse film program, and connect with filmmakers and stars. Last year, we achieved an impressive attendance of 45,000 viewers, and I am hopeful we will surpass that figure this year.”
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Sari Albeder – 45th Cairo International Film Festival #CIFF2024
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