The New Administrative Capital witnessed a landmark event as Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) and Coventry University Cairo, hosted at The Knowledge Hub Universities (TKH), officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding and inaugurated the new Coventry Media Hub on campus.
The day began with a welcoming reception that brought together students, faculty, CIFF festival representatives, and media professionals. This was followed by a Masterclass delivered by renowned actor Hussein Fahmy, President of the Cairo International Film Festival, who shared insights from his distinguished career in cinema and underscored the value of linking academic learning with hands-on industry experience.
The highlight of the event was the official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between CIFF and Coventry University Cairo, in the presence of senior leadership, cultural figures, and the press.
Following the signing, participants were invited to a networking session, creating opportunities for students and guests to exchange ideas directly with industry leaders and festival organisers.
The day concluded with the official opening of the Coventry Media Hub, a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide an integrated creative and educational environment. The hub will offer students advanced resources and practical training while enabling direct engagement with Egypt’s vibrant cinema and media community.
Quotes
Hussein Fahmy, President of the Cairo International Film Festival, said:
“Our partnership with Coventry University marks an important step in aligning academic expertise with professional pathways in the film industry. We are committed to supporting young talent and creating an ideal environment for learning and real-world practice, reinforcing the Festival’s role as a platform for emerging voices and future generations of creatives.”
Professor Ebtesam Farid, Dean of the School of Design and Media at Coventry University Cairo, commented:
“The Coventry Media Hub offers our students the chance to learn in an environment that mirrors real industry practice while fostering direct connections with Egypt’s dynamic film community. This collaboration demonstrates our mission to integrate education with industry, ensuring our graduates are academically strong, culturally aware, and industry-ready.”
The Collaboration
As part of the agreement, Coventry University Cairo will have a dedicated pavilion at the Cairo Film Market, providing students with unique networking opportunities with industry leaders and professionals. The university will also support the Festival’s XR (Extended Reality) Exhibition with advanced digital media tools, enhancing the integration of interactive technologies into the Festival’s programming.
The inauguration of the Coventry Media Hub marks a strategic milestone in positioning Coventry University Cairo as a hub for cultural and creative education, fostering stronger ties between academia, culture, and industry in Egypt.
Cairo International Film Festival, founded in 1976, is considered one of the most prominent festivals in the Arab region and the African continent. It holds official international accreditation as a Category A festival and is the only festival in the Arab world and Africa recognized by the International Federation of Film Producers’ Associations (FIAPF).
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