Ahmed Shawky Resigns as CIFF's Artistic Director..But Why?

[caption id="attachment_131501" align="alignright" width="300"] Ahmed Shawky[/caption]

Critic Ahmed Shawky handed in his resignation shortly after his announcement as the newly appointed Artistic Director of Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) 42nd edition, which is due to take place Nov 19-28.

Shawky handed in his resignation after receiving heavy backlash on social media due to some of his posts, which they described as extremist and violent.

After a meeting of the festival’s Advisory board, the board members unanimously accepted his resignation.

The festival’s president, film producer, and screenwriter Mohamed Hefzy, as well as the members of the advisory board, thanked Shawky for his contribution to the festivals' previous editions.

Shawky succeeded veteran film critic Youssef Cherif Rizkallah who sadly passed away last year.

CIFF is committed to proceeding with preparations for the 42nd edition.

CIFF is also set to announce further plans within the coming weeks while continuing to uphold its principles of championing persity, bridging cultures, encouraging dialogue, celebrating new voices

[caption id="attachment_131506" align="alignright" width="300"] Youssef Cherif Rizkallah[/caption]

and providing a platform for film talent from around the world and contributing to the development of the local and regional film industry.

CIFF preparations for new edition amidst Coronavirus

The Festival’s management will be guided by the Egyptian government and the World Health Organisation to ensure the necessary safeguards and protections are in place to ensure guests’ and participants’ safety as a result of the pandemic.

CIFF’s president explained: “The coronavirus pandemic has imposed a considerable challenge to the international film industry. Nevertheless, CIFF’s management is committed to holding a successful and safe edition if the situation allows while putting high emphasis on the safety and wellbeing of its staff as well as local and international guests.”

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, CIFF’s management has been consistently following the ongoing developments regarding the health situation and the international film industry whose workers are currently occupied with overcoming the pandemic’s consequences.

Following the guidance, working to apply all protective measures, including the use of sanitary equipment, masks, and applying social distancing, ordered by the Egyptian government and the World Health Organisation.

It is worth mentioning that the novel coronavirus was first reported in Wuhan, China, and has infected more than one million people and killed over 234,139 worldwide. It also hit several celebrities and top political figures around the world.

[caption id="attachment_131509" align="alignright" width="300"] the logo of the World Health Organization[/caption]

On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared coronavirus a global pandemic as the new virus has rapidly spread to more than 800,000 people from Asia to the Middle East, Europe, and the United States.

Transmission of viruses between humans happens when someone comes into contact with an infected person’s secretions, such as droplets in a cough. Coronavirus can also be transmitted by coming into contact with something an infected person has touched and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

It is known that older people appear to be more vulnerable to the effects of the emerging virus. The virus caused complete paralysis in all activities and events with large gatherings worldwide due to concerns over the spread of the virus.

Contributed by Yara Sameh