EU Ambassador: Egyptian Cinema Pioneer in Arab World... Umm Kulthum Greatest Female Icons of All Time

The European Union Ambassador to Egypt Angelina Eichhorst said that Egyptian cinema is a pioneer in the Arab world, with more than 4,000 films produced in Egypt since 1896.

This came in a speech delivered by Ambassador Eichhorst at the opening ceremony of the 9th Aswan International Women's Film Festival, which was held on the banks of the Nile in the presence of Minister of Youth and Sports Ashraf Sobhi, Aswan Governor Ismail Kamal, Amal Ammar, Head of the National Council for Women, and a host of ambassadors, artists, and filmmakers.

The EU Ambassador expressed her happiness to participate in the opening of this distinguished festival held in the enchanting land of Aswan.

The Ambassador said, "From beautiful and enchanting Aswan, and on behalf of the European Union, I am honored and delighted to participate, for the first time, in the Aswan International Women's Film Festival."

She praised the distinguished Egyptian artists present, as well as all the distinguished artists from the member states of the European Union and other countries, and said that for more than 100 years, cinema has been a mirror, a magical art, depicting the human being, his senses, his emotions, his experiences, and his life. 

Cinema makes you think, feel, and pushes you to reflect on your own experience from the perspective of what is inside the frame and what is outside it.

She said that the ninth edition of the Aswan Women's Film Festival celebrates one of the greatest female icons of all time, Umm Kulthum, whom she described as "a woman of exceptional talent, insight, and tremendous influence, whose life's journey has inspired many to this day." She continued, "Thank you, Umm Kulthum, for sharing your talents with so many people through your music and art."

She added that the Egyptian government supports this important festival, in cooperation with all partners, especially the National Council for Women, which believes that all women achieve and utilize their full potential.

Eichhorst extended a special thanks to the Board of Trustees and the festival's management for the wonderful cooperation with the European Union. She said that after six years of partnership, 500 young men and women have learned more about filmmaking, and some of their films have competed in regional and international competitions.

The Ambassador also thanked the ambassadors and representatives of the EU member states present in Aswan, saying, "We are united in peace and equality." She thanked the Governor of Aswan and the people of Aswan for their generous hospitality and warm welcome, wishing the current edition of the 9th Aswan International Women's Film Festival every success.