Cairo International Film Festival announces opening applications for the “Placemaking: Set Design and Visual World Development on Screen” workshop, in collaboration with “Kader” Project, as part of Cairo Industry Days activities, during 47th edition of the festival, scheduled to take place from November 11 to 20, 2026.
The workshop aligns with the festival’s interest in supporting filmmakers and professionals in image and visual world design fields, creating new spaces to explore the role of space in storytelling and meaning-building on screen. It focuses on how to utilize set design, locations, elements, objects, and visual details as narrative tools capable of expressing characters, time, social context, relationships, and cultural identity, without relying on dialogue alone.
The workshop stems from a vision that considers space as more than just a background for events; it treats it as a fundamental part of the storytelling process, through which the dramatic world can be built and the visual and emotional experience of the work can be enriched. It explores how to transform choices related to space, set design, objects, and visual details into active elements in the narrative, contributing to shaping the film’s identity and deepening its meanings.
Through practical examples, case studies, group discussions, scene analysis, research exercises, and a practical application aspect, participants will learn methods of researching and building visual worlds, reimagining and developing them, in addition to evaluating historical and visual references and transforming research findings into creative decisions in set design.
The workshop is presented by cinematic production designer Islam Hassan, who leads participants on a practical journey to explore the relationship between space, character, and story, and how visual design can become a fundamental tool in building the film’s world and developing its vision.
Application Requirements:
The workshop targets set designers, art directors, production designers, directors, filmmakers, researchers, and film critics interested in exploring the role of space and visual elements in storytelling.
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Be of Egyptian nationality or a resident of Egypt.
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
- Have prior experience in filmmaking or visual storytelling, specifically in the fields of set design, art direction, production design, directing, filmmaking, research, or film criticism.
The workshop is held within Cairo Industry Days activities, as part of 47th edition of Cairo International Film Festival, scheduled to take place from November 11 to 20, 2026. Accepted participants are committed to attending the entire workshop and its associated programs.
Applications must be submitted, required data filled out, and necessary materials attached through the designated form on the official website of Cairo International Film Festival. Please note that the deadline for application is October 20, 2026.
About Cairo International Film Festival
Founded in 1976, Cairo International Film Festival is considered one of the oldest film festivals in the Arab world and Africa, and the only Arab and African festival accredited as a Category “A” festival by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF). It is held annually under the auspices of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture. Throughout its history, it has solidified its position as a major platform for Egyptian, Arab, and international cinema, combining film screenings with cultural dialogue, and supporting the development of the film industry and the discovery of new talents and projects.
About “Kader” Project
“Kader” is a project dedicated to supporting and developing talents and creative practices in the field of cinema and image, by providing spaces for learning, exchange, and experimentation, and supporting filmmakers and professionals in developing their artistic and professional tools and practices.
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