Fifty Years After the Birth of “Rocky” and the Launch of Cairo International Film Festival, the Opening Film Reveals the Real-Life Battle Behind One of Cinema’s Greatest Legends
Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF), presided over by renowned Egyptian actor Hussein Fahmy, is pleased to announce the selection of the American film “I Play Rocky,” directed by two-time Academy Award winner Peter Farrelly, as the Opening Film of its 47th edition, taking place from November 11 to 20, 2026. The film will be presented as part of the Official Selection – Out of Competition.
The choice carries special significance, taking us back to 1976, a year that marked the beginning of two remarkable stories in cinema history. On the streets of Philadelphia, Rocky Balboa was running after a seemingly impossible dream, while Cairo was witnessing the birth of its international film festival. Fifty years later, these two stories come together once again on the opening night of the festival’s 47th edition, with a film that reveals the real-life struggle behind the creation of one of cinema’s most iconic characters.
“I Play Rocky” tells the inspiring true story behind the making of the legendary 1976 film “Rocky,” following the journey of a young Sylvester Stallone, who was struggling to find his breakthrough in Hollywood when he wrote a screenplay about an underdog boxer determined to overcome the odds and pursue his dream. When the script caught the attention of producers, Stallone found himself facing a new battle. Although they were interested in purchasing his screenplay and casting an established star in the leading role, Stallone insisted on portraying the character he had created. His determination to fulfill his own dream became a real-life reflection of Rocky’s journey.
The film revisits one of Hollywood’s most celebrated success stories, revealing how a risky creative endeavor became a global cinematic phenomenon. The original “Rocky” achieved tremendous critical and commercial success, winning three Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for John G. Avildsen, and launching a film franchise whose influence has endured across generations.
American actor Anthony Ippolito portrays Sylvester Stallone, having previously played Al Pacino in the limited series “The Offer,” which explored the behind-the-scenes story of the making of “The Godfather.” The cast of “I Play Rocky” also includes Matt Dillon, AnnaSophia Robb, P. J. Byrne, Toby Kebbell, Tracey Letts, Jay Duplass, and Kiki Seto.
Written by Peter Gamble, the film is directed by Peter Farrelly, whose acclaimed body of work includes “Green Book” (2018), for which he received two Academy Awards: Best Picture, as one of the film’s producers, and Best Original Screenplay, as a co-writer. Farrelly has also built a distinguished career as a director, writer, and producer. “I Play Rocky” is produced by Toby Emmerich, Christian Baha, Peter Farrelly, and Paul Currie, with distribution handled by Amazon MGM and United Motion Pictures.
The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2026, where it was named First Runner-Up for the People’s Choice Award. It subsequently continued its successful journey on the international festival circuit, winning the Audience Award in the Galas & Special Presentations section at the Vancouver International Film Festival, as well as the Audience Choice Award for Best Feature Film at Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival in Canada.
The film was also selected as a Surprise Screening at the BFI London Film Festival and screened at the Rome, Zurich, and Chicago film festivals, as well as AFI FEST, where it was featured in the Red Carpet Premieres section. Its international festival journey reflects the strong audience response to a story that brings together a passion for cinema and the determination to pursue one’s dreams.
The selection of “I Play Rocky” as the Opening Film of the 47th edition reflects Cairo International Film Festival’s longstanding commitment to presenting diverse cinematic experiences that combine artistic merit with broad audience appeal. It also highlights the festival’s interest in exploring the stories behind filmmaking itself, with all the human and creative challenges, risks, and ambitions that shape the cinematic journey.
Half a century after “Rocky” and Cairo International Film Festival began their journeys in the same year, opening night will celebrate the story of a man who fought his greatest battle to give cinema one of its most beloved characters, alongside another dream that began in Cairo in 1976 and continues to bring stories from around the world to the big screen.
About Cairo International Film Festival
Cairo International Film Festival is one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in the Arab world and Africa, and among the leading international festivals dedicated to celebrating the art and industry of cinema. Founded in 1976, the festival is held under the auspices of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture and is accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF) as one of its recognized international film festivals.
Over five decades, CIFF has established itself as a prominent meeting place for filmmakers from around the world, a platform for discovering emerging talent, fostering cultural dialogue, and supporting the development of the Arab and international film industries.
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