Hussein Fahmy, the renowned Egyptian actor and President of the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF), was accorded a warm and distinguished welcome in Chengdu on the opening day of the second Golden Panda Awards, signaling a significant moment for Sino-Egyptian cultural relations.
Fahmy, a celebrated figure in Arab cinema, was honored by the event’s organizing committee for his pivotal role in fostering cinematic dialogue between Egypt and China. In an extensive interview with Chengdu Television, he elaborated on the importance of international film exchange and the global standing of the Cairo festival.
The committee highlighted that his presence “enriches the event and reflects the depth of cultural relations between Cairo and Beijing,” further praising the historic role of Egyptian cinema in global creative discourse.
Announcement of Chinese Juror Highlights Growing Ties
During his opening ceremony address, Fahmy made a significant announcement: a Chinese artist will be appointed to the official competition jury of the upcoming Cairo International Film Festival, scheduled for November 12–21. This move concretizes the festival’s commitment to deepening its collaboration with Chinese cinema.
A History of Collaboration and a Future of Partnership
In his speech, Fahmy reflected on a long history of cooperation, stating, “It is a great honor to have been among the first to sign a cooperation protocol with the Shanghai International Film Festival many years ago.” He noted ongoing annual collaborations with both the Shanghai and Beijing International Film Festivals, involving exchanges of talent and expertise.
Expressing his delight at the Golden Panda Awards, Fahmy revealed his intent to establish a new formal agreement with the organization, stating, “I look forward to a new agreement and another protocol with this remarkable organization.”
His participation follows key collaborative steps, including CIFF’s involvement in the Belt and Road Film Week at the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival earlier this year. Plans are also underway for an official Shanghai delegation to attend the next edition of the Cairo festival.
About the Festivals
The Cairo International Film Festival, founded in 1976, is one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in the Arab world and Africa. It holds a Category A accreditation from the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF), a status it maintains as the only festival in the Arab and African region.
The Golden Panda Awards, launched in 2023 and held biennially in Chengdu, is quickly emerging as a prominent international event. Organized by the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the Sichuan Provincial Government, it is dedicated to fostering cross-cultural exchange through cinema and television.
TunisianMonitorOnline (Douha Essafi)
