Cairo International Film Festival Opens 47th Edition with Participation from 64 Countries

Cairo, November 11 (KUNA) – The Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) launched the events of its 47th edition today, Wednesday, with the participation of 64 countries and 145 films. The opening ceremony was attended by a distinguished group of Egyptian, Arab, and international cinema stars, filmmakers, and public figures, celebrating the festival’s 50th anniversary since its founding. The CIFF is considered one of the most prestigious film festivals in the Arab world and Africa.

The opening ceremony was attended by Egyptian Minister of Higher Education and Acting Minister of Culture, Abdel Aziz Qanssouwa, and the festival’s president, actor Hussein Fahmy, alongside a large number of artists, directors, producers, and cultural and artistic figures.

In his speech, Fahmy emphasized that celebrating the 50th anniversary of the festival’s establishment represents an occasion to take pride in a cinematic and cultural journey that began on August 16, 1976, initiated by the Egyptian Association of Writers and Film Critics under the chairmanship of journalist Kamal El Malakh. Over five decades, Cairo has transformed into a meeting point for creators and filmmakers from around the world.

Fahmy evoked the character of “Fuadha,” who faced the threat of water cuts and decided to open the sluice gate to irrigate the parched land. He noted that the sluice gate was not merely a symbol of water, which people cannot be deprived of, but had become a symbol of art, thought, stories, and narratives created by innovators, which remain alive regardless of the passage of time.

Fahmy pointed to the symbolism of the “sluice gate” in the film *Something of Fear* (Shay’ min al-Khawf), directed by Hussein Kamal and produced in 1969. He affirmed that cinema, art, thought, and the stories presented by creators remain alive and defy time, just as Egyptian cinema continues to be a beacon of art, culture, and life.

He stressed the importance of preserving Egyptian cinematic heritage as one of the most important artistic and cultural treasures, confirming the continuation of the initiative to restore Egyptian films in cooperation with the Holding Company for Cultural and Cinematic Investment and the Film Restoration Center at the Media Production City.

He announced the restoration of a new group of films this year, including *The Rebels* (Al-Mutamirrun), *Shafika and Metri* (Shafika El Qibtiyya), *The People’s Muse* (Ma’boudat El Gomhoor) in its color version, *The Postman* (Al-Boustaghi), *Miramar*, *Soft Hands* (Al Ayadi Al Na’ima) in its color version, and *Paradise Exile* (Tareed El Firdaws). He noted that the initiative aims to restore approximately 1,400 Egyptian films and make them available to future generations.

For his part, Minister Qanssouwa stated in his speech that the Cairo International Film Festival represents one of the most prominent artistic festivals reflecting Egypt’s cultural and artistic standing. He emphasized that cinema is not merely a means of entertainment but a soft power that contributes to shaping awareness, enhancing dialogue between peoples, and expressing human and societal issues.

He announced that the Ministry of Culture would undertake the restoration of the remaining films owned by the Egyptian Holding Company for Cinema that require restoration, considering them one of the pillars of Egypt’s soft power. He confirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting creativity, discovering young talents, and developing the film industry.

He noted that the participation of 145 films from 64 countries reflects the international character of the festival and provides opportunities for exchanging expertise, building partnerships, and enhancing the presence of Egyptian and Arab cinema on the international stage.

The opening ceremony included a showcase of the festival’s key milestones over its 50-year history through a documentary covering its history, events, awards, and hosting of Egyptian and international cinema stars, alongside video materials about the Egyptian films that have undergone restoration.

The Cairo International Film Festival has been held annually under the patronage of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture since its establishment in 1976. It holds official accreditation from the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF) within the category of competitive international film festivals (Category A). It is the only festival accredited in this category in the Arab world and Africa.

(End) A.F.P. / H.S.S.