The Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) announced today the full details of its 46th edition, scheduled to take place from November 12 to 21, 2025, during a packed press conference held at Sofitel Nile El Gezirah – Cairo. The event drew a large gathering of artists, filmmakers, journalists, media representatives, festival sponsors, diplomats, and senior officials.
The conference opened with Egypt’s national anthem, followed by the appearance of Hussein Fahmy, President of the Festival, and Mohamed Tarek, Artistic Director, on stage.
In his opening remarks, Hussein Fahmy warmly welcomed the attendees, affirming that the Cairo International Film Festival remains “a cornerstone of Egypt’s artistic memory and a beacon for all true cinema lovers across the Arab world.” He added:
“It is a great honor to stand before you today — as one of you — a man deeply passionate about cinema, who believes that true art has the power to transform reality and to plant hope in people’s hearts, even in their most difficult moments.”
Fahmy emphasized that this year’s festival theme revolves around “Humanity” as its central focus, showcasing films that explore people’s dreams and struggles, reflecting Egypt’s enduring role as a cradle of creativity and enlightenment.
A Word of Gratitude
Before unveiling the festival’s program, Fahmy expressed heartfelt thanks to the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, led by H.E. Dr. Ahmed Fouad Henno, calling its support “the cornerstone of the festival’s success since its inception in 1976.”
He also extended appreciation to the Egyptian Opera House, describing it as “the warm home that has always embraced the festival,” and congratulated Dr. Khaled El-Anany on his election as Director-General of UNESCO, calling the achievement “a source of pride for all Egyptians and Arabs.”
In a touching moment, Fahmy celebrated Egypt’s recent success in mediating a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, affirming that “art remains a universal language that unites people and reinforces everyone’s right to dream and live in peace.”
He went on to thank the High Advisory Committee of the festival — including Amal Osman, Gaby Khoury, Jasmine Taha Zaki, Samir Farag, Tarek El Shennawy, Omar Abdel Aziz, Amr Badr, Laila Eloui, Mohamed El Adl, Massad Fouda, and Hisham Abdel Khaleq — as well as the dedicated CIFF team and volunteers.
Official Poster and Restored Classics
The conference also witnessed the unveiling of the festival’s official poster, inspired by Mahmoud Mokhtar’s iconic “Egypt’s Renaissance” statue — a symbol of Egypt’s modern revival built on the grandeur of its past. Fahmy revealed a curated selection of restored Egyptian classics, noting that the initiative represents “a bridge between the golden history of Egyptian cinema and its promising future.”
Sponsors and Partners
A series of short films introduced the festival’s main sponsors, including Creed, Fresh, Banque Misr, Spiro Spathis, Lexus Toyota, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Egyptian Tourism Authority, and EgyptAir.
Other partners and media sponsors include DMC, FP7 McCann Cairo, Sofitel Nile El Gezirah, VOX Cinemas, the United Media Services, Cairo Governorate, France 24, and Monte Carlo Doualiya.
Cultural and Educational Partnerships
Fahmy highlighted several key partnerships, notably:
The American University in Cairo, providing spaces for screenings and workshops.
The Drosos Foundation, which continues to sponsor young filmmakers from Egypt’s regions to attend the festival.
Risha Publishing House, which will release five books on this year’s honorees, in addition to a special publication celebrating the centenary of the FIPRESCI (International Federation of Film Critics).
Coventry University, with condolences offered for its late president, Dr. Yasser Sakr, a key figure in establishing the collaboration.
Global Presence
Fahmy reviewed CIFF’s international presence throughout the year — from Berlin and Cannes to Shanghai and Venice — reaffirming the festival’s growing partnerships worldwide, particularly with China’s film institutions.
Honorees
Fahmy announced this year’s Egyptian honorees:
Mohamed Abdel Aziz, awarded the Golden Pyramid for Lifetime Achievement.
Mahmoud Abdel Samie, celebrated cinematographer, receiving the Golden Pyramid for Lifetime Achievement.
Khaled El Nabawy, recipient of the Faten Hamama Excellence Award.
Artistic Vision and International Honors
Artistic Director Mohamed Tarek then presented the festival’s artistic vision and revealed the international honorees:
Ildikó Enyedi (Hungary) — winner of the Golden Pyramid for Lifetime Achievement, honoring her profoundly humanist body of work, including her award-winning films On Body and Soul and The Silent Friend, which will also screen in competition.
Hiam Abbass (Palestine) — honored with the Golden Pyramid Award for her international contributions and for giving voice to Palestinian and human stories in acclaimed works such as Munich and Succession.
Juries and Competitions
Tarek announced the International Competition Jury, chaired by Nuri Bilge Ceylan (Turkey), and including Simona Paggi (Italy), Guan Hu (China), Nadine Khan (Egypt), Basema (Egypt), Leyla Bouzid (Tunisia), and Bogdan Muresanu (Romania).
He also introduced the heads of the festival’s side competitions:
Mohamed Nabil – Horizons of Arab Cinema
Osama Abdel Fattah – Critics’ Week
Marwan Omara – Short Films Competition
Rami El Metwally – Best Documentary Film Award
Noura Kahil – New Media Showcase
In addition, he confirmed the NETPAC Award for Best Asian Film, the FIPRESCI Award, and the Best Arab Film Award.
Cairo Industry Days
Mohamed Said Abdel Rahim, Director of Cairo Industry Days, detailed this year’s professional programs, followed by Rodrigo Brum, who presented updates on Cairo Film Connection projects, sponsors, and juries.
Closing Remarks
Concluding the conference, Hussein Fahmy promised audiences “a truly revitalized edition worthy of Egypt’s cinematic legacy and of the Cairo International Film Festival’s global stature.”
The conference ended with an open Q&A session and the premiere of the festival’s official promotional trailer for the 46th edition.
TunisianMonitorOnline (Douha Essafi)
