Cairo International Film Festival

The Cairo International Film Festival has been the premier cultural event in Africa and the Middle East, serving as a bridge between the cultures of the world. It has been accorded category “A” status by the  International Federation of Film Producers Associations FIAPF, putting it on the same footing as festivals in Cannes, Berlin, Venice, Montreal, San Sebastian, Karlovy Vary, Tokyo, Shanghai, Mar del Plata and Moscow.

The Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) is the oldest film festival in the Middle East. It was launched in 1976 by the writer-critic Kamal el Mallakh to enhance the role of Egypt in the world of cinema. Egypt has enjoyed a strong cinematic tradition since the art of filmmaking was first developed, in 1896.

The festival has hosted a spectrum of the world’s most famous actors, actresses and directors, who have participated either via the screening of their films, in symposiums, or as members of the jury.

The Cairo International Film Festival has introduced in the 36th edition, 3 parallel programs: "Horizons of New Arab Cinema","International Critic’s days for first or second features" and "Cinema of Tomorrow" in order to contribute towards the development of cinema culture and industry in Egypt and the Arab world.

In its 37th edition held from the 11th to the 20th of November 2015, the CIFF will carry out his mission to strengthen cultural relationships between countries through film.