In a landmark move that reaffirms its role as a trailblazer in the Arab world’s cinematic landscape, the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) has announced the launch of a groundbreaking new section—CAIRO’S XR—as part of its 46th edition, scheduled for November 12–21, 2025.
This marks the first time in the festival’s history that a dedicated platform will spotlight new media and immersive storytelling technologies, placing Cairo at the forefront of a global shift in how stories are told and experienced.
CAIRO’S XR aims to reshape the traditional film-viewing experience by embracing Extended Reality (XR)—an umbrella term that includes virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), AI-powered narratives, and interactive digital environments. The initiative opens the door for artists, technologists, and storytellers to craft narratives that audiences don’t just watch—they inhabit.
“CAIRO’S XR seeks to deliver a different cinematic experience by integrating new media into the fabric of cinematic storytelling,” said Mohamed Tarek, Artistic Director of CIFF. “Rather than watching a film on a fixed screen, audiences can now step into stories, interact with characters, and even alter the course of events. This reflects the festival’s vision of cinema as a living, evolving art form.”
Projects showcased under CAIRO’S XR will include interactive installations, AI-generated experiences, and gamified narratives, encouraging viewers to explore memory, emotion, and imagination through new technological frontiers. The program underscores the festival’s belief that technology, when used creatively, can deepen the emotional and intellectual resonance of storytelling.
By merging cinema with design, AI, game engines, and spatial computing, CIFF hopes to spark a new artistic movement rooted in both innovation and tradition. Creators are now invited to submit immersive works for consideration.
Submissions Now Open
CIFF is accepting entries in the following categories:
- Virtual Reality (VR) Experiences
- Augmented Reality (AR) & Mixed Reality (MR) Projects
- Interactive Immersive Installations
- AI-Driven Narratives
- Gamified Storytelling & Games
Selected projects will premiere at CIFF 2025, offering creators a high-profile platform for international exposure, collaboration with industry leaders, and the chance to define the future of immersive storytelling from the cultural heart of the Arab world.
TunisianMonitorOnline (Douha Saafi)
