Cairo Gears Up for 5th Edition of Cairo Francophone Film Festival This May

The Egyptian capital is preparing to host the 5th edition of the Cairo Francophone Film Festival (CFFF), scheduled to take place from May 26 to 30, 2025. Under the leadership of renowned film critic Dr. Yasser Mohab, the festival is expected to welcome a diverse array of filmmakers, critics, and cinema enthusiasts from Egypt and across the Francophone world.

This year's edition will feature a vibrant lineup of films representing the artistic voices and cultural diversity of French-speaking countries from all five continents. The festival promises to be a hub of cinematic excellence, showcasing both established and emerging talents from the international Francophone community.

Marking a strategic shift, the 2025 edition introduces a new festival date, moving from its traditional November or December slot to May. The decision, according to Dr. Mohab, follows a thorough review of the global festival calendar and is aimed at enhancing the festival’s reach and artistic impact.

> “The change wasn’t made on a whim,” said Dr. Mohab. “It came after a detailed study of the international and Francophone festival seasons. May offers better opportunities to premiere a wider range of films and to attract a broader selection of talent, including stars and members of Francophone communities residing in Egypt. This enriches the festival’s competitive spirit and delivers a more diverse and engaging experience for our audience.”

Dr. Mohab emphasized that the new date is part of a broader vision to position the festival as a leading platform for serious Francophone cinematic and cultural dialogue. “We aim to support both creators and audiences of Francophone cinema, and we believe this change will open new horizons for collaboration with film institutions and festivals around the world,” he added.

The fifth edition will also witness expanded programming, including a wider variety of screenings, workshops, critical discussions, and public events targeting both general audiences and young creatives with an interest in Francophone culture and film.

Launched in 2021, the Cairo Francophone Film Festival was established as a platform to celebrate cinematic creativity from the 88 member countries and governments of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). Since its inception, it has successfully hosted the regional and international premieres of hundreds of acclaimed films, earning praise for its rich programming and its role in promoting cross-cultural dialogue between Egypt and the Francophone world.