Cairo International Film Festival celebrates FIPRESCI's centenary
Today, the Egyptian Pavilion at Marché du Film, part of the 78th Cannes Film Festival (13–24 May 2025), will host a reception marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI).
Just days ago, Cairo International Film Festival and FIPRESCI launched a historic agreement that will result in the publication of a special book on the federation. This book will be the outcome of a research seminar involving members of FIPRESCI and the Egyptian Film Critics Association, addressing a topic of importance to the history of cinema. The seminar will be held as part of the 46th edition of Cairo International Film Festival, scheduled for 12–21 November 2025. The event will also include the presentation of the 'FIPRESCI 100 – Lifetime Achievement Award' to a prominent cinematic figure.
Commenting on the collaboration, actor Hussein Fahmy, President of Cairo International Film Festival, said:
'We at Cairo International Film Festival are proud to be part of FIPRESCI's centenary celebrations and to strengthen our cooperation with the federation at this historic moment. We believe film criticism is a fundamental partner in the industry's development, and our role as a festival goes beyond screening films to include supporting cultural dialogue and enhancing artistic standards. This partnership is a step forward in boosting the status of Egyptian and Arab cinema on the global map and in opening broader horizons for young talents and creatives.'
Mohamed Tarek, Artistic Director of Cairo International Film Festival, stated:
'This collaboration with FIPRESCI is a significant milestone in the journey of Cairo International Film Festival and reflects our ongoing commitment to deepening the dialogue between filmmakers and critics worldwide. We believe film criticism is one of the pillars of industry development. Through publishing the book and organizing the seminar in the upcoming edition, we aim to create a broader space for sharing experiences and documenting the history of film criticism, contributing to the growth of Egyptian and Arab cinema.'
Ahmed Shawky, President of FIPRESCI, added:
'Cairo International Film Festival has always been a strategic partner to FIPRESCI. It was the first Arab festival to host a FIPRESCI jury, which highlights the depth of the relationship between the two institutions. Moreover, many of the festival's successive artistic directors and programmers have been members of the Egyptian Film Critics Association and FIPRESCI. This new partnership with Cairo International Film Festival is therefore a key highlight of our centenary celebrations, and we hope it paves the way for broader cooperation between critics and filmmakers across the Arab world and globally.'
Founded in 1976, Cairo International Film Festival is one of the most prestigious festivals in the Arab region and Africa. It holds an official international 'Category A' status from the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF), making it the only festival in the Arab world and Africa with this accreditation.
Founded in 1925, the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) includes national organizations of film critics from over 50 countries worldwide, in addition to individual representation from 36 countries. It aims to promote and develop film culture and protect the professional interests of critics.
read more
New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo
Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6
Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series
Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today
Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival
Arts & Culture
Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos
Arts & Culture
"The Flash" to End with Season 9
Arts & Culture
Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival
Arts & Culture
Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha
News
Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers
News
Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia
News
Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content
Arts & Culture
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized
Sports
Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer
Sports
Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
News
Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies
Arts & Culture
New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple
Business
Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War
Arts & Culture
Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al-Ahram Weekly
3 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egyptian artists mourn passing of Ziad Rahbani - Music - Arts & Culture
Several Egyptian artists, along with renowned figures from other fields, expressed sorrow following the death of Ziad Rahbani. The celebrated Lebanese composer, pianist, playwright, and political visionary passed away on Saturday at the age of 69, leaving behind a prolific artistic legacy that spanned decades. Tributes poured in from across the Arab world, including Egypt, where fans and the broader creative community loved Rahbani. The Musicians' Syndicate, headed by artist Mostafa Kamel, mourned his passing with a statement: 'With his passing, we have lost an exceptional artistic figure and a renewing creator who contributed to enriching Arabic music and theatre, leaving an everlasting mark on the Arab consciousness through his musical and theatrical works that combined authenticity, boldness, and innovation.' Several Egyptian artists voiced their grief on social media and in interviews. Screenwriter Medhat El-Adl wrote on Facebook that the Arab world had lost a unique voice that had become an integral part of the collective consciousness. 'The curtain has fallen on a chapter of genius,' El-Adl wrote. 'A melody that long stirred our souls and lit up the stage with free words and a tune unlike any other has fallen silent. The impact remains, though the body is gone.' Actor Yasser Galal called Rahbani 'an exceptional artist who shaped the consciousness of generations.' Composer Mohamed Diaa Eldin gave an exclusive statement to Al-Ahram Gate (Arabic): 'Although I never met him personally, his music was beyond imagination for me. He was incredibly talented and brought a qualitative shift in music by blending jazz with Arabic and Eastern singing in an amazing way.' He added, 'Ziad is the natural continuation of the Rahbani legacy. He carried on the artistic journey of his mother, Fairuz, after the passing of her husband, Assi Rahbani, and his partner, Mansour Rahbani. His works with her were advanced and different. He preserved the continuity of Fairuz's voice as an eternal artistic symbol, succeeding in presenting her in a renewed way that blended authenticity with experimentation. With Ziad's passing, we lose a musical voice that will not be repeated, but his legacy will remain alive in our hearts and artistic tastes.' Egyptian poet and playwright Ibrahim Abdel Fattah echoed Diaa Eldin's sentiment, describing Rahbani's passing as 'the loss of one of the last voices that defended the dream in broad daylight.' 'Ziad was not only 'the son of Fairuz,'' he wrote on Facebook, 'he was the son of Lebanese oppression, the son of the angry streets of Beirut, the son of wars that he knew how to transform into music that laughs and cries at the same time. He was the true heir to the rebellion of Sayed Darwish… boiling his voice with the spirit of the oppressed and shouting against politicians, authority, hypocrisy, and pretension.' 'Ziad did not die today; he died in stages— with every betrayed cause, every buried dream, every square emptied of protesters, every free word crushed in the media or by censorship,' Abdel Fattah concluded. Tributes also came from outside the artistic sphere. Ziad Ahmed Baha El-Din, Egyptian thinker, economist, and former Deputy Prime Minister, recalled meeting Rahbani in Beirut 'about twenty years ago.' 'I remember two things that deeply moved me,' he said. 'The first was political: Ziad's presence among the people during the Lebanese war and his conversations with them through his radio program made him a source of inspiration and resilience in the face of siege and bombing. The second was musical: when I asked him how many musicians he would bring with him to Egypt, he replied with surprise, 'Shame on you…Howw could I bring musicians to Egypt when it has the greatest musicians?' I was deeply touched by his profound appreciation for Egyptian art and local talents.' Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
See - Sada Elbalad
4 hours ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Aboul Gheit Attends High-Level Conference on Peaceful Settlement of Palestinian Issue and Two-State Solution
Mohamed Mandour Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, has arrived in New York to participate in the High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, scheduled from July 28 to 30. The event is co-chaired by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the French Republic. Jamal Rushdi, spokesperson for the Secretary-General, said the Arab League is taking part in the conference in its capacity as co-chair—alongside the European Union—of Working Group VIII, focused on Peace Day Efforts. This group aims to shape a comprehensive package of political, economic, and security support for the future Palestinian state, in line with the two-state solution. The conference brings together a broad array of participants, including United Nations member states, international and regional organizations, UN specialized agencies, and civil society groups, to reaffirm global support for a just and lasting peace based on the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language
Al-Ahram Weekly
4 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egyptian director Mazen El-Gharabawy participates in Avignon Festival activities - Stage & Street - Arts & Culture
Egyptian director and playwright Mazen El-Gharabawy took part in a roundtable held as part of this year's Avignon Festival (5–26 July), marking the only Egyptian theatre-maker participating in this year's Avignon Off programme. This year's festival, celebrating the Arabic language through theatre, dance, and music, featured several events focused on the performing arts from the Arab region. El-Gharabawy participated in three days of activities, which included a roundtable, speed networking, and a workshop he led with local participants. Speaking to Ahram Online, El-Gharabawy described his connection with the Avignon Festival (Festival d'Avignon)—one of the world's most prestigious and oldest performing arts festivals—as beginning during his participation in the Adelaide Festival in March. 'We met in March, during the Adelaide Festival, a major arts festival held annually in Adelaide, South Australia. There, I presented my theatre activities, starting with the Sharm El-Sheikh International Theatre Festival for Youth (SITFY), through other festivals, and to plays I directed,' El-Gharabawy said, recalling his meeting with Harold David, Co-Chairman of Avignon Off. The centrepiece of El-Gharabawy's theatrical work is SITFY, which he founded and continues to lead. The festival's 10th edition is scheduled for November under the slogan Theatre for Peace and Humanity. Over the years, SITFY has forged collaborations with numerous international theatre institutions and launched sister editions outside Egypt. 'At first, Harold suggested that I present Body, Teeth & Wig at Avignon Off,' El-Gharabawy said, referring to a play he wrote, directed, and designed. However, despite its minimal, portable scenography, the play still required a substantial budget for international touring, making its inclusion in this year's festival unfeasible. El-Gharabawy noted that while the main Avignon In programme covers the cost of participating productions, Avignon Off relies on financial arrangements made by the artists themselves. Body, Teeth & Wig premiered in South Korea in August 2024, and was later staged in India to two sold-out audiences. The play has since been in high demand from international festivals. 'We're already planning for Body, Teeth & Wig to appear at Avignon next year,' he added. The play was previously performed in Egypt for two nights. It will return to the Cairo stage during the ongoing 18th edition of the Egyptian National Theatre Festival (20 July – 8 August), with performances scheduled at Hanager Theatre on 30 and 31 July. Since presenting the play in Avignon wasn't possible this year, Harold David invited El-Gharabawy to participate in a series of events, including the round table and networking sessions. 'The round table was attended by renowned theatre practitioners,' El-Gharabawy said, adding that in addition to himself and Harold David, it featured directors of other major international festivals, including those from Edinburgh and Adelaide. The discussions addressed the challenges of organizing theatre festivals in today's complex global context. El-Gharabawy shared insights on SITFY's programming, its participants, and its Academy Programmes, which offer workshops in both creative and technical aspects of theatre-making, led by Egyptian and international professionals. 'During our discussion, I also spent a big portion of time shedding light on the Egyptian contemporary theatre and in particular the new generation of theatre-makers,' he said. El-Gharabawy also spoke about SITFY Poland, which he launched in Kraków in 2024 with a focus on monodrama; SITFY Georgia, inaugurated in Tbilisi in April and dedicated to duo-dramas; and upcoming plans for similar events in Bodajg (Hungary) and London (UK) by 2026. Looking ahead, El-Gharabawy is working on a 2025–2030 strategic plan that includes launching festivals in Bordeaux (France), Madrid (Spain), Milan (Italy), and Berlin (Germany), as well as expanding international touring of theatrical productions. 'We are also strengthening our connections with Asia, now eyeing China and Sri Lanka, while continuing with South Korea,' he noted during his presentation. El-Gharabawy consistently highlights the importance of his team. 'We are a full-fledged entity run by amazing people. We manage several international festivals. I owe a lot to everyone involved—I couldn't do any of this without their strong support and hard work,' he said, praising his collaborators, including SITFY Managing Director Engy El-Bestawy, international partners, and the many young people engaged in the network's activities. El-Gharabawy's three-day stay at Avignon Off also included networking sessions and a workshop. Always on the move, he has now returned to Egypt for a brief period, redirecting his focus to Body, Teeth & Wig, which will take the stage in Cairo this week. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
