CAIRO, EGYPT – November 13, 2025 – The 46th Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) officially commenced last night, Wednesday, November 12, with a distinguished and star-studded opening ceremony in the Egyptian capital. The event brought together a prestigious assembly of filmmakers, stars, and cultural leaders from Egypt and across the globe, setting the stage for one of the region’s most important cinematic showcases.
A Gathering of Cinematic Royalty
The red carpet saw the attendance of numerous luminaries, including Festival President and distinguished actor Hussein Fahmy, Minister of Culture Dr. Ahmed Fouad Henno, and Artistic Director Mohamed Tarek. Leading Egyptian stars graced the occasion, notably Yousra, Lebleba, Mahmoud Hemida, Khaled El Nabawy, Ahmed El Sakka, and Khaled El Sawy, alongside veteran director Mohamed Abdel Aziz.
The ceremony began with the Egyptian national anthem, followed by keynote addresses that emphasized the nation’s cultural renaissance and global responsibilities.
Speeches Highlight Egypt’s Renaissance and Global Role
Festival President Hussein Fahmy delivered a compelling opening address, expressing his pride in presiding over the 46th edition. He asserted that Egypt is “reshaping its present through the devoted steps and efforts of its people,” fostering feelings of “pride, happiness, and belonging.”
Fahmy’s speech also underscored Egypt’s humanitarian commitment, citing support for “brothers in Sudan and Lebanon” and its “historic commitment to the Palestinian cause, culminating in the Sharm El-Sheikh Agreement to halt aggression on Gaza.” He connected the festival to a broader national project, stating that cinema is now “part of the national project that revives its culture, arts, and dreams.”
Minister of Culture Dr. Ahmed Fouad Henno officially declared the festival open, celebrating cinema’s power to “enter countless worlds and live a thousand lives.”
“It stands as a testament to Egyptian genius and unique human ability to breathe soul into stone and eternity into image,” Dr. Henno remarked, referencing the spectacular recent opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).
He drew a parallel between the GEM and the enduring power of cinema, emphasizing that the “seventh art’s camera will revive further chapters of the country’s memory.” Henno concluded with a call for art to be a “new promise of peace, life, and beauty,” affirming the festival’s commitment to elevating “the human” at the heart of its mission.
Honors and Recognition
The evening’s highlight was the presentation of major awards to leading figures in cinema:
- Golden Pyramid for Lifetime Achievement: Presented to the esteemed Turkish director and screenwriter Nuri Bilge Ceylan, who also chairs the Feature Film Competition jury.
- Faten Hamama Excellence Award: Bestowed upon star Khaled El Nabawy. El Nabawy dedicated his award to his family, mentors, and the Palestinian people.
- Golden Pyramid for Lifetime Achievement: Honoring veteran Egyptian director Mohamed Abdel Aziz for his long and generous cinematic career.
Preserving Cinematic Heritage
In a significant update, Festival President Hussein Fahmy detailed the ongoing Egyptian Film Restoration Initiative. He announced continued work with the Cultural and Cinematic Investment Holding Company to restore Egyptian films, noting that the initiative aims to preserve approximately 1,400 Egyptian films. He also confirmed that a collection of restored films has been translated to make them accessible to international guests.
The ceremony also paid an emotional tribute to prominent late artists lost over the past year, including Nabil El-Halafawy, Samihah Ayoub, Lotfi Labib, and screenwriter Ahmed Abdullah.
Juries and Opening Film
Following an introduction by media presenter Jasmin Taha Zaki, the distinguished juries for the official competitions were announced. The Feature Film Competition jury is chaired by the newly honored Nuri Bilge Ceylan (Turkey) and includes prominent figures such as actress Basma (Egypt), director Guan Hu (China), and director Nadine Khan (Egypt).
The curtain officially rose on the 46th edition with the screening of the opening film, the Brazilian movie “The Blue Trail.”
The 46th Cairo International Film Festival will continue to showcase a diverse range of international and Arab cinema over the coming days.
