The vast experience in managing Egyptian film festivals has qualified film critic Essam Zakaria to serve as the director of the Cairo Film Festival, to embark on a new experience with the 45th edition that will start in the coming days, featuring many challenges, especially in light of the current events in the Arab world and the globe, from which the festival's activities are inseparable.
Zakaria, a journalist, film critic, translator and researcher, is interested in cultural affairs and has also published books on Egyptian and foreign cinema, and translated many articles and literary works from English and German. He also serves as the director of the Ismailia International Documentary Film Festival.
Regarding these challenges amidst the ongoing circumstances, he said that there is a special interest in cinema and the Palestinian cause, starting with the selection of the opening film “Passing Dreams” by Palestinian director Rashid Masharawi, and all the way to allocating awards for Palestinian cinema and various programs of shows and events that highlight the Palestinian voice.
Adapting to Challenges and Moving Forward
Leading the Cairo International Film Festival after its postponement presented unique challenges, but also valuable opportunities for growth.
"From my experience with Egyptian festivals, I've learned that success lies in meticulously managing both the big-picture vision and the smaller, essential details. While showcasing outstanding films is at the heart of the festival, behind-the-scenes logistics—such as travel, accommodations, and film rights—are equally crucial and demand thoughtful budgeting," he noted.
Zakaria added: "One key adjustment we made was in our approach to media coverage. Instead of covering travel costs for a select group of journalists, we asked them to handle their flights while the festival took care of their accommodations for the entire 10-day duration. This allowed us to invite a larger number of international and Arab journalists, leading to valuable partnerships with major outlets like Variety, Film Verdict, and Screen Daily, thereby expanding the festival's global presence,".
"Additionally, we refined our strategy for bringing in foreign experts. While their insights are important, we made a deliberate effort to focus on local talent, which not only offered the same high-quality expertise but also aligned with our goals of sustainability and community support,."
Another shift was is the film rights strategy, via strengthening programming team and inviting more diverse voices into the selection process, the CFF uncovered hidden gems—high-quality films often overlooked in favor of bigger names.
"I'm proud of the diverse and impactful lineup we've curated, one that resonates across a wide audience. Lastly, prioritising collaboration within our team ensured that everyone was working efficiently and cohesively towards the festival’s vision," he noted.
● Connecting CFF with the public
This year, the festival has taken an exciting leap by expanding the event beyond the traditional confines of the Opera House and central Cairo.
"Cairo is a sprawling metropolis, and we wanted to ensure the festival’s reach extended to all corners of the city. In addition to our iconic venues like Cairo Opera House, Zamalek Cinema, and the Ewart Hall at the American University, we’ve partnered with Vox Cinemas to bring screenings to New Cairo and Sheikh Zayed, ensuring greater accessibility for audiences across the city," he noted.
Zakaria added: "Our programming at these new venues is thoughtfully designed to be inclusive, balancing broad appeal with the high-quality films that our festival is known for. Public screenings outside the Opera House are crafted to engage a wider audience, while the Main Hall at the Opera House continues to offer that glamorous, red-carpet experience. For a more experimental touch, films at the Small Theater and El Hanager Cinema are aimed at a more niche, art-house crowd,".
Looking ahead, the festival is planning further expansion into Cairo’s other neighbourhoods and even beyond the city, continuously adapting to audience feedback to shape future editions of the festival.
● Palestinian on focus
This year, the Cairo Film Festival presents an exceptional lineup of Arab films, possibly the strongest ever had. Rather than feeling challenged by the competition, the event is thrilled by the wealth of outstanding Arab cinema at disposal.
"We’ve also made significant changes to our awards for Arab cinema, aiming for a more meaningful and balanced approach. Previously, the Best Arab Film Award encompassed all Arab films in the festival, alongside the Horizons of Arab Cinema competition awards, which often caused confusion," he noted. "This year, we've introduced new financial awards specifically for Arab feature films, with the competition now open to all Arab films, whether they are part of the international competition or the reimagined Arab Cinema Horizons program. The latter is now a curated showcase, rather than a competition."
Additionally, the CFF is putting a spotlight on Palestinian cinema and the Palestinian cause, starting with the opening film, "Passing Dreams" by Palestinian director Rashid Masharawi, and introducing dedicated awards for Palestinian cinema, as well as screenings and events that amplify Palestinian voices. the event aims to ensure that the Palestinian cause remains a central focus throughout the festival.
● CFF approach to the inclusion of Egyptian films alongside international selections
While the Cairo International Film Festival is rooted in Egypt, the focus is firmly on global cinema. The CFF is dedicated to supporting Egyptian filmmakers but believes their work belongs on international platforms like Venice or the Red Sea Festival, not confined to Cairo alone.
This year, the CFF introduced the Short Film Panorama, a new program dedicated to Egyptian short films. While these films are not part of the competition, they provide an important space to showcase Egypt’s emerging creative voices.
Given the limited number of short films in competition and the few venues available for them, festivals like the CFF play a vital role in giving these works the visibility they deserve. This approach not only supports Egyptian filmmakers but also ensures their talent reaches a broader international audience.
●Impressive lineup of classic films
This year’s Classic Film Program presents an exceptional selection of Egyptian cinema, with a special emphasis on timeless classics that have been carefully restored.
In an era dominated by fleeting digital images, there’s a growing desire to reconnect with the past, where a single frame could leave a lasting impression. With this in mind, the programme seeks to revive and preserve Egypt's rich cinematic heritage, ensuring it resonates with today’s audience.
Egyptian cinema, once at risk of being forgotten, is now being carefully restored through partnerships between the government and key film organizations. The importance of safeguarding this cultural legacy has never been more urgent, as the event aims to pass these films on to future generations.
This year, the festival is expanding the reach of these restored classics by screening them in venues beyond the Opera House, allowing audiences to experience these masterpieces in pristine quality on the big screen. In addition to Egyptian gems, the event also presents remastered international films, creating a unique celebration of both local and global film history.
● International collaboration
Co-productions have become a defining feature of today’s global film industry, reshaping how films are made, shared, and experienced.
At the Cairo International Film Festival, it placed co-productions at the forefront this year, recognizing their powerful potential to unite diverse voices and create films that resonate on a global scale. By prioritizing co-productions, the event aims to foster films that bridge cultural gaps while strengthening the sustainability of the industry as a whole.
The festival is also highlighting Egypt’s growing role as a prime destination for international film productions. The Egyptian Film Commission is streamlining access for foreign filmmakers, making Egypt a more attractive filming location. As part of our Cairo Industry Days, it offers a platform for filmmakers, producers, and distributors to network, exchange ideas, and explore exciting new opportunities.
While the Cairo Film Market may not follow the traditional model, it serves as a vital space for forging international collaborations and expanding the global reach of Egyptian cinema. The CFF believes this focus on co-productions and international partnerships is crucial for the future of filmmaking, both in the region and worldwide.
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