The Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) and Coventry University Cairo branch, hosted at The Knowledge Hub Universities (TKH), announce a landmark partnership to be officially inaugurated with the opening of the new Coventry Media Hub on 24 September 2025, located at TKH’s campus in the New Administrative Capital. This partnership represents a significant step in linking academic excellence with Egypt’s thriving film and media industry.
The event will feature the signing of a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Cairo International Film Festival, held under the auspices of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, and Coventry University, alongside the launch of the Media Hub—an advanced creative studio facility serving students, academics, and the film community. Distinguished guests are expected to attend the opening, including the renowned actor Hussein Fahmy, President of the Cairo International Film Festival.
Hussein Fahmy, President of the Cairo International Film Festival, said:
“Our partnership with Coventry University marks an important step towards integrating academic expertise with professional pathways in the film industry. We are committed to supporting young talents and providing them with the ideal environment for learning and real-world experience, reinforcing the festival’s position as a leading platform for launching new voices and preparing future generations of creators to shape the future of Egyptian and Arab cinema.”
Prof. Ebtissam Farid – Head of School of Design & Media, Coventry University Cairo, said:
“The signing of this MoU with the Cairo International Film Festival reinforces our mission to integrate education with culture and industry. The Media Hub will give our students the chance to learn in an environment that mirrors real-world practice, while also engaging directly with Egypt’s vibrant film community. This collaboration ensures that our graduates are not only academically prepared but also culturally aware and industry-ready.”
Prof. Marouan Omara – Film Production Course Director, Coventry University Cairo, said:
“This partnership represents a new era for students and young filmmakers in Egypt. By linking classroom learning with real-world opportunities at one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals, we are equipping our students with the tools, networks, and experience needed to succeed in the global creative industries.”
Mohamed Tarek, film critic and Artistic Director of the Cairo International Film Festival, said:
“We are keen to provide diverse platforms for young talents where artistic vision merges with technological advancement and engagement with international industry expertise. This collaboration reflects the festival’s commitment to offering full support for ambitious projects and discovering bold new calibres with creative vision.”
Partnership Details
As part of the agreement, Coventry University will exhibit in a dedicated pavilion at the CIFF Film Market, giving students a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders and professionals. The university will also exhibit its latest digital media tools to support CIFF’s Immersive Technologies (XR) exhibition, helping to integrate interactive technologies into the festival’s programme.
The Media Hub, to be officially inaugurated during the event, will serve as a cornerstone for education and cultural exchange, providing hands-on training facilities and fostering innovation in digital media production. Through this initiative, Coventry University Cairo reinforces its role as a cultural and creative hub, supporting the next generation of filmmakers and media professionals.
Established in 1976, the Cairo International Film Festival is one of the oldest and most prestigious festivals in the Arab world and Africa. It holds official international recognition in Category A, the highest accreditation for international festivals by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF).
Coventry University is one of the UK’s leading higher education institutions, recognised for its strong emphasis on applied learning, innovation, and global engagement. Through The Knowledge Hub Universities in Cairo, Coventry University established its branch in Egypt, offering high-quality, internationally accredited programmes designed to bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice.
TunisianMonitorOnline (Douha Essafi)
