The Cairo International Film Festival hosted a panel titled “How Their Voices Are Told on Screen” as part of its 46th edition, featuring the short documentary Fatma by director Mohanad Diab. The session, held during Cairo Nights, explored how cinema can amplify the real-life struggles of women debtors, with Egypt’s Misr El Kheir Foundation presenting the film based on a true story and featuring appearances by its real protagonists.
Dr. Hanan El-Derbashi, head of the Foundation’s Social Solidarity and Gharimin Sector, joined Diab in the discussion moderated by TV host Hala El-Sayed. The panel drew filmmakers, development experts, media figures, and festival guests.
Speakers highlighted the festival’s commitment to bridging art and civil society by bringing social issues to the forefront. El-Derbashi praised the platform for helping challenge misconceptions around debt-related imprisonment and for supporting vulnerable groups through cinema’s soft power. Diab emphasized crafting “human-centered films” that offer a safe space for participants and transform painful experiences into compelling cinematic storytelling.
Follow the latest news on Google News
