Documentary film lovers in Egypt will have the opportunity to explore some of the most compelling voices in contemporary nonfiction cinema as the first edition of "Echoes of Ji.hlava in Cairo" takes place from June 17 to 20 at Zawya Cinema in downtown Cairo.
The event presents a curated selection of films from the 29th edition of the Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival, one of Europe's leading documentary film festivals, held in the Czech Republic in October 2025.
Through a diverse collection of films, the program examines themes of migration, identity, belonging, family, care, and human dignity, offering audiences intimate perspectives on some of the most pressing social issues of our time.
Organized through a collaboration between the Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival, Zawya Cinema, Czech Centres, and the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Cairo, the initiative aims to strengthen cultural exchange while introducing Egyptian audiences to contemporary auteur documentary filmmaking.
"Echoes of Ji.hlava in Cairo introduces Egyptian audiences to a selection of powerful contemporary documentaries from one of Europe's leading documentary film festivals," said Tereza Svášková, representative of the Czech Centres.
"The program creates space for reflection on urgent human questions, from migration and belonging to care, family, and dignity."
The festival opens on June 17 with a screening of "Amira's Children," directed by Czech filmmaker Markéta Ekrt Válková.
The documentary follows the Alhariri family, who fled the war in Syria and settled in the Czech Republic, tracing a decade-long journey of resilience, adaptation, and hope.
The screening will be followed by a discussion with the director.
On June 18, audiences will be able to watch "The Cats, the Sea, and Everything in Between," a personal documentary by filmmaker Karel Malkoun.
Returning from Canada to Lebanon during a period of political and economic turmoil, Malkoun reflects on family, distance, memory, and the meaning of home through a deeply personal cinematic diary.
The program continues on June 19 with "What About Petey?," an intimate observational documentary exploring the challenges faced by a family caring for a young man living with autism.
The film highlights themes of patience, inclusion, and the often-overlooked realities of caregiving within limited support systems.
A special masterclass with Markéta Ekrt Válková will take place on June 20. Conducted in English and open to the public free of charge with prior registration, the session will provide valuable insight into documentary filmmaking, storytelling, and long-form observational cinema.
The festival concludes on the evening of June 20 with "Bürglkopf," a documentary that contrasts the picturesque Austrian landscape with the harsh realities experienced by asylum seekers housed in a remote refugee center.
Through interviews and personal testimonies, the film examines questions of bureaucracy, dignity, and hope in the face of displacement.
Hosted at Zawya Cinema on Emad El Deen Street in Downtown Cairo, "Echoes of Ji.hlava in Cairo" offers a rare opportunity for local audiences to engage with internationally acclaimed documentary films and filmmakers.
By bringing together stories from different cultures and communities, the program aims to foster dialogue and encourage reflection on the shared human experiences that connect people across borders.
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