Belarusian Culture Minister Invites Egyptian Cinema to Minsk Listapad Festival

Belarusian Culture Minister Ruslan Chernetsky has expressed anticipation for the participation of Egyptian cinema, highlighting its rich history and prominence in the Middle East and Africa, at the upcoming Minsk International Film Festival Listapad.

Chernetsky made the remarks during a meeting in Minsk with Sherif Gad, Secretary-General of the Egyptian-Russian Friendship Association, President of the Egyptian Association of Russian and Soviet University Graduates, and Director of Cultural Activities at the Russian House in Cairo. Gad recently served as the head of the jury for the festival’s National Film School competition, marking the first time an Egyptian has held this role at Listapad.

The Belarusian minister noted that while Belarusian cinema retains unique characteristics, it has inherited many features from Soviet filmmaking. Founding creatives from the Soviet era helped shape Belarusian cinema and nurtured new generations of filmmakers, contributing to the country’s contemporary cinematic landscape.

Chernetsky expressed surprise that a country of Egypt’s size and cinematic history has not yet participated in Listapad, now in its 31st edition, and emphasized hopes that Egyptian representatives will bridge cultural collaboration. He looks forward to Egypt joining the festival in its 32nd edition, recognizing cinema as a key form of soft power fostering cross-cultural exchange.

Sherif Gad expressed delight at his invitation to chair the student film jury at Listapad, praising the festival’s organization and noting the involvement of 41 countries with 157 films showcased across eight competitive categories.

Gad highlighted the opportunity for Egyptian films to compete in upcoming editions across feature, short, documentary, and animated categories, including student film competitions.

Gad extended thanks to festival director Aleksandr Yefremov and fellow jury members, including Cuban director Pablo Ginest and Belarusian critic Ludmila Melnitskaya, for their collaboration during the student film awards.