Cairo Film Festival Celebrates Arab Cinema with Major Wins
The 45th Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) wrapped with a triumphant showcase for Arab and African filmmakers. ‘Dragonfly’ (Egypt) and ‘Once Upon a Time in Gaza’ (Palestine) took top honors, reflecting the festival’s rising influence in global cinema. Meanwhile, the Cairo Film Connection (CFC), CIFF’s industry platform, reported its most successful year yet, reinforcing Egypt’s role as a regional film hub.
Award-Winning Films and Standout Talent
- Golden Pyramid for Best Film: ‘Dragonfly’ by Kawthar Younis, a haunting Egyptian drama about loss and hope, moved audiences and critics alike.
- Silver Pyramid (Jury Prize): ‘Once Upon a Time in Gaza’, a Palestinian documentary by Mohammed and Ahmad Almughanni, offered an intimate portrait of pre-blockade Gaza.
- Other Winners:
- Best Director: Leyla Bouzid (A Tale of Love and Desire, Tunisia)
- Best Actor: Ahmed Wafik (Kira & El Gin, Egypt)
- Best Actress: Yasmina El-Abd (The Sea Ahead, Lebanon)
Cairo Film Connection: Boosting Regional Projects
The CFC co-production market shattered records, with 42 projects from 15 countries securing funding or deals. Highlights included:
- ‘The Buried’ (Egypt) – A political thriller.
- ‘Shouting at the Sea’ (Tunisia) – A migrant drama backed by international producers.
- ‘Shadows of the Sun’ (Sudan) – A post-war story attracting Netflix MENA’s interest.
Hossam Elouan (CFC Director) declared, “Cairo is now a launchpad for global Arab and African cinema.”
Streaming Giants and Industry Growth
Global platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Shahid VIP aggressively pursued Arabic content at CIFF, with Netflix’s Sarah Berke in talks for acquisitions. Egyptian indie filmmakers also gained traction, with producers championing authentic storytelling over formulaic projects.
Controversy and Dialogue
A panel on “Cinema Under Censorship” sparked debate, with director Mohamed Diab (Clash) urging fewer restrictions. Despite tensions, the festival fostered rare artist-regulator exchanges.
What’s Next for CIFF?
Organizers vowed a stronger African cinema focus and immersive tech (e.g., VR) in 2024. With winning films like ‘Dragonfly’ heading to global circuits, CIFF has solidified its place on the world stage.
Final Takeaway:
From award-winning narratives to booming market deals, Arab and African cinema is no longer emerging—it’s here.
