The CFC submission window will be open for eligible filmmakers from Sunday, 7 May to Friday, 7 August, through the festival's official website: www.ciff.org.eg

Filmmakers who direct these projects must be Arab either in nationality or origin. The projects should also be feature-length fiction or documentary in the development or post-production phase. The director of the project must have previously directed at least one film, whether short or feature.

Cairo Film Connection is part of Cairo Industry Days, the industry platform of the Cairo International Film Festival, which brings industry professionals from all around the world to engage in a program of masterclasses, panel discussions, and events designed to inspire, highlight, and support filmmaking talent from the region.

The CFC will bring together international producers, financiers, distributors, and representatives from funding bodies, sales agents, and TV channels to initiate international co-productions and partnerships with films from the Arab world.

“We are proud to have some of the Arab films participating in this year’s edition of the Cannes Film Festival developed and supported by the Cairo Film Connection programs, such as director Kaouther Ben Hania’s ‘Banat Olfa’ which participates in the official competition,” said CIFF president Hussein Fahmy on Saturday.

Other films supported by the CFC and participating at Cannes are ‘Inshallah Walad’ and Goodbye Julia, confirmed CIFF director Amir Ramses.

Lynda Belkhiria -- who manages the CFC activities for the second year -- stated that they are “looking forward to helping the work of more Arab talents reach international markets”.

Cairo Film Connection is held as part of Cairo Industry Days, the industry platform of the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF), which brings industry professionals from all around the world to engage in a programme of masterclasses, panel discussions, and events designed to inspire, highlight and support filmmaking talent from the region.

The Cairo International Film Festival is one of the oldest festivals in the Arab world and Africa, and the only festival in the region to be accredited as an A festival by (FIAPF) – the international federation of film producers.

A jury of prominent film professionals will select projects to receive cash and in-kind awards. The festival provides a platform for Arab filmmakers to initiate connections and receive the support they need to bring their films to completion.