Editor

A short while ago, the opening ceremony of the 44th edition of Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) has ended, in the presence of the Egyptian Minister of Culture, Dr. Nevine Al-Kilani, CIFF’s chairman, Hussein Fahmy, CIFF’s director, Amir Ramses, and a huge number of stars, filmmakers, and media professionals at the Main Hall of Cairo Opera House.

A glimpse of the opening ceremony:

Initially, artist Hussein Fahmy expressed his gladness to become the President of CIFF after many years of absence. Fahmy highlighted the significance of the festival and the role it plays for cinema lovers.

Jasmine Taha Zaki was the presenter of the opening ceremony. The ceremony started with displaying the official poster. Subsequently, a video clip of the songs of the late artist Samir Sabri was presented, in recognition of his extensive artistic career. CIFF’s chairman, Hussein Fahmy tackled his memories with the late Sabri. Additionally, Fahmy thanked the sponsors of the 44th edition of the festival.

The Minister of Culture, Dr. Nevine Al-Kilani came up on stage, along with CIFF’s chairman, Hussein Fahmy to announce the inauguration of the 44th edition of the festival.

CIFF’s board presented a short film on the works of director Kamla Abu Zekri in cinema and television. Actress Nelly Karim was keen on presenting the “Faten Hamama Excellence Award” to director Kamla Abu Zakri, for she is an essential partner in the success of her dramas. Besides, director Abu Zekri thanked everyone who supported her throughout her artistic career, which started at the age of 16, emphasizing that standing on the stage of CIFF to be honored is one of her lifetime dreams.

CIFF’s director, Amir Ramses came up on stage to present the iconic Hungarian filmmaker “Béla Tarr” and displayed a short film on glimpses of his life. The Hungarian filmmaker, “Béla Tarr” expressed his gladness for being honored at CIFF, which is regarded as the most prestigious film festival in the Middle East.

Artist Hussein Fahmy announced the honoring of the veteran artist Lebleba through receiving “the Golden Pyramid for Lifetime Achievement Award”, stating that she is one of the exceptional actresses since childhood who presented multiple works carved in the minds of fans. Fahmy declared that she deserves to be honored, for she dedicates her life to art up to now.

The iconic actress, Lebleba came up on stage and stated that her dream was to be honored at CIFF, for her mother wished that her daughter would win a prize at the festival. The attendees celebrated Lebleba’s birthday.

After the opening ceremony, the American narrative film “the Fabelmans”, directed by Steven Spielberg was presented. The film tells the story of Sami Fabelman, a young boy who grew up in Arizona in post-World War II and reveals a critical secret about his family, discovering the power of films which guides us towards the truth.

The jury head, director Naomi Kawase expressed her pleasure to take part in the 44th edition of CIFF, pointing out that we succeeded in overcoming the era of isolation and disconnection and appreciated the significance of communication. Furthermore, Kawase highlighted the idea that she is interested in the cultural exchange in the land of history, Egypt.