New Hub for Arab Cinema to Connect Emerging Talent with International Industry Leaders
The 46th Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) will launch the Cairo Film Market this Saturday, November 15, establishing a dynamic new hub for the regional film industry. The market, a cornerstone of the festival’s Cairo Industry Days, is designed to foster collaboration and drive project development across the Arab world and beyond.
The dedicated space will host 20 key players from the global film ecosystem, including production houses, distributors, broadcasters, and cultural institutions. The primary goal is to create a nexus for emerging talents to connect with established production entities, facilitating the exchange of expertise and the creation of co-production opportunities.
“The Cairo Film Market is a fundamental pillar of the festival’s mission,” a CIFF statement read. “It reflects our commitment to supporting the film industry in the region and enhancing the skills of its professionals, keeping pace with global developments.”
This year’s participants represent a diverse cross-section of the international film landscape. Notable entities include:
- Broadcasters & Major Producers: Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT), Al Watha’iq – United Media Services, and Arab Radio and Television Network.
- Festivals & Markets: The Durban Film Market Institute, Alexandria Short Film Festival, and the Arab Cinema Center.
- Industry Bodies: The Egypt Film Commission, Media Production City, and the Network of Alternative Arab Screens (NAAS).
- Production Companies: A range of firms from Ambient Light Films and Kats Films to Lagoon Film Production and Hawadeet Films.
Organizers anticipate a packed schedule of intensive professional meetings, project presentations, and networking events. The focus will be on supporting international co-productions and bolstering the presence of Arab cinema on the world stage.
A Legacy of Cultural Dialogue
The Cairo International Film Festival, founded in 1976, is one of the oldest and most prestigious festivals in the Arab world and Africa. Accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF), it has long served as a vital platform for cultural dialogue. The introduction of the Cairo Film Market marks a significant expansion of its professional mandate, aiming to build sustainable bridges between creators and the global industry.
TunisianMonitorOnline Correspondent (Douha Essaafi)
