The live pitch session for the film project "Rock, Paper, Sea" by director Randa Ali received a very good reception today, May 17, at Palais K in Cannes. This took place during the Fantastic 7 initiative held on the sidelines of the Marché du Film at the Cannes Film Festival, amidst praise and interaction from investors, distributors, sales agents, and global industry experts. The film represents Cairo International Film Festival in the initiative, organized as a joint effort between the Marché du Film in Cannes and the Sitges - International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia, to promote genre film projects globally.

Renowned actor Hussein Fahmi, President of Cairo International Film Festival, received the "Arab Cinema Personality of the Year" award presented by Arab Cinema Center in its seventh edition, in recognition of his artistic career and contributions to the cinematic landscape regionally and internationally. The award was presented during the Critics' Awards for Arab Films ceremony, held this day, on the sidelines of the 79th Cannes Film Festival.
 
The award was handed over by the founders of Arab Cinema Center, Alaa Karkouti and Maher Diab, who emphasized that the honor comes in appreciation of Fahmi's continuous efforts in maintaining Egypt's position as a pivotal hub for the film industry in the region.
 
This selection reflects the pivotal role Hussein Fahmi has played since his return to the presidency of Cairo International Film Festival in 2022, his initiatives to support talents, initiate the restoration of Egyptian cinema classics, and restore the presence of the Egyptian Pavilion at the Cannes Film Market. He also contributed to expanding the activities of "Cairo Industry Days" and forging strategic partnerships with major institutions and festivals in China.

Actor Hussein Fahmi, President of Cairo International Film Festival, participated today in the first panel discussion at the Egyptian Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival under the title "Reviving Heritage". Other speakers were Dr. Hany Aboul Hassan, Advisor to the President of the Egyptian Media Production City for International Cooperation, Dhia Jerbi from the Archive Circulation Initiative in Tunisia, and Youssef Shazli, Head of Distribution at Misr International Films and supervisor of the restoration and sale of its cinematic library.

RIM Chaker, The Egyptian Pavilion officially opened today at the Marché du Film of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, in the presence of representatives from partner organizations, filmmakers, producers, media professionals, and international guests, continuing its role as a platform connecting Egyptian and Arab cinema with the global film community.

Rim Chaker// Arab Cinema Center announced awarding great artist Hussein Fahmy, President of Cairo International Film Festival, the "Arab Cinema Personality of the Year" award in its seventh edition, in recognition of his artistic career and contributions to the cinematic scene regionally and internationally.

Rim Chaker- Egypt's landmark presence at Cannes returns for its second year, uniting institutional and industry partners under a shared commitment to Egyptian and Arab cinema on the world stage.

Djerba / Reem Shaker Today, April 23, at a hotel on the “Island of Dreams,” Djerba, we met with Ms. Abla Lesoud, the world-renowned athlete and director of the Djerba International Film Festival, where details of the upcoming edition were announced.  

Malmo Industry Days, held during Malmo Arab Film Festival, announced that Yemeni feature film project "Al Madinah 2008" won a $5,000 financial award dedicated to supporting its development phase.

Cairo, April 15, 2026

Cairo International Film Festival management announced the opening of film submissions for its 47th edition, scheduled to take place from November 11 to 20, 2026. Submissions from filmmakers worldwide will be accepted starting today, April 15, and will continue until August 1, 2026, through the festival's official website, with an early bird submission period available until May 22.

Renowned actor Hussein Fahmy, President of Cairo International Film Festival, held a discussion session with Mr. Cui Yan, Executive Director of the Organizing Committee of Beijing International Film Festival and General Manager of the Festival Company.

Tell us about your experience as the executive producer of the series Al-Matba‘a.

Tunisian Sofiane El Fani wins best cinematography award at the 49th Japan Academy Awards
The film, "The Master of Kabuki", of which he is the director of photography, tells the story of a young man who dives into the world of Kabuki. This film keeps breaking the record for the biggest box-office hit for a Japanese film in terms of number of viewers 🌟

He is the artist whose name echoed on the stage of the Carthage Theater on the summer night of 1987, in an unforgettable evening. After an absence with multiple reasons, the star Walid Toufiq returns to perform at a grand closing ceremony of the Casa Tarab music nights.

The administration of Cairo International Film Festival, presided over by Hussein Fahmy and its entire staff, extends its sincerest congratulations to H.E. Dr. Gihane Zaki on the occasion of the Presidential Decree appointing her as Egypt's Minister of Culture.

Saïma Mezoughi
In Fujairah, culture is felt as life itself is felt—gradually woven into the everyday, nourished by the relationship between place and its people, and by the memory that forms between mountain and sea, between the individual and the community. In this horizon, culture emerges as an inseparable part of the collective fabric, permeating social rhythms, shaping modes of expression, and influencing how one listens to oneself and to others. Here, cultural policies are understood as a conscious choice to nurture a human being capable of thought, attuned to beauty, aware of their place in a changing world, while remaining rooted in their origins.