This year’s theme, “Relationships,” gave the festival a rich backdrop, shaping its bold and thought-provoking choices for workshops and panel discussions.

The focus extended across various facets of relationships, including family dynamics, romantic connections, and self-relationships.

As the first festival in the region to examine the intersection of health and film, MedFest adeptly balanced programmes designed for the film industry with discussions addressing both mental and physical health. The extensive programme included four master classes, five workshops, ten panel discussions, and 32 films.

In recognition of excellence and contribution, MedFest honoured distinguished figures with special awards. Saba Mubarak, the renowned actress and filmmaker, was celebrated for the significant impact she made on Arab cinema.

Additionally, Robert Abrams, a leading professor of psychiatry at Cornell University, was acknowledged for his innovative work in integrating mental health awareness with cinematic storytelling.

The festival’s jury included notable figures from various disciplines. Nadine Khan, Hany Khalifa, and Christophe Saber, all acclaimed directors, were joined by Hana Abuelghar, a professor of paediatrics and clinical nutrition at Cairo University, and Bassam El Assad, a prominent producer. Their collective expertise provided a comprehensive evaluation of the films presented.

A pivotal segment of this year’s festival was the pitching session, aimed at advancing two projects from the From Script to Screen development and writing workshop.

This initiative was part of the For Her and With Her project, executed in collaboration with the British Embassy. The pitching session jury featured producer Safie El Din Mahmoud, director and producer Amjad Abu Alala, and GBV Advisor and Programmes Manager at UKAID Hanin Shahin.

Photography also took centre stage, with two significant events. The Mindful Photography Round Table and Exhibition, featuring director and researcher Mirona Radu and content creator Mohamed El-Shorbagy, was part of a cultural intervention project by Creatrix Fama, co-financed by Romania’s Administration of the National Cultural Fund (AFCN).

This initiative integrates photographic art and film into the recovery and healing process for patients at a Bucharest hospital. The second event was a photography competition aligned with the festival’s theme, “Relationships.” Photographers were invited to capture the emotional and physical aspects of health and its impact on relationships and humanity. The selected works were showcased in an exhibition at the AUC Tahrir campus for the duration of the festival.

One standout feature of this year’s festival was the Film Dates, a new concept where groups of strangers gathered in a cosy living room to watch short films and engage in meaningful conversations. This unique format fostered opportunities for new friendships and provided a distinctive film experience, allowing attendees to connect deeply through shared stories and dialogues. Three Film Dates were held, each facilitating rich interactions and connections among participants.

The festival also offered four notable workshops, each designed to provide engaging content and expert guidance. In Couples in Improv, actor and improv instructor Ramsi Lehner led couples through interactive exercises aimed at enhancing their connection and communication. This workshop provided a creative and enjoyable approach to strengthening relationships. The Kick Start Filmmaking  workshop offered an introduction to filmmaking, covering screenwriting, production, cinematography, and editing for non-specialists. Instructors included film director and script consultant Youssef Hesham, film editor Ramez Atef, and director of photography Mario Mohareb. The I Am the Actor workshop, facilitated by consultant psychiatrist Nabil El-Kot, explored the psychological effects of acting, focusing on how embodying various characters can impact participants and deepen their understanding of themselves and others. The Challenging Times workshop, led by Hana Abuelghar, a writer and professor of paediatrics and clinical nutrition, addressed the complexities of modern parenting. It covered various stages from pregnancy to adolescence and highlighted the importance of partners in the parenting journey.

The festival’s panel discussions provided further depth, featuring film stars, celebrities, and professionals who shared their personal experiences on relationship issues. In Family Matters, actors Ahmed Dash, Ola Roushdy, Salah Maged, and director Karim El Shenawy joined psychological and educational consultant Shereen Louis and youth development expert Manal Eid to explore family dynamics and intergenerational challenges. The Mawadda by Pathfinder panel, with screenwriter Mariam Naoum, novelist and journalist Rasha Samir, professor of psychology Ali Salem, and Minister’s Advisor for Family Health and Development Randa Fares focused on equipping couples for marriage and fostering healthy family environments. In Relationship or Situationship, screenwriter Dina Negm, actress Miran Abdel Wareth, TV and radio host Sherif Noureldin and personal life coach Ehab Wakim discussed contemporary definitions of relationships, the influence of attachment styles, and the sustainability of emotional connections in today’s fast-paced world.

The master classes at the festival were marked by the presence of esteemed industry professionals who shared their expertise. In How to Watch a Film, award-winning filmmaker Mohamed Zidan provided a comprehensive exploration of film analysis and viewing techniques. A Creative Journey Across Borders, led by Swiss-Egyptian filmmaker Christophe Saber, offered insights into his creative process and the impact of multicultural experiences on his work in both fiction and non-fiction. Renowned French film curator Solange Poulet conducted a master class on film programming, focusing on building festival audiences and fostering cultural interconnectivity. Her session highlighted how festivals can create meaningful cultural connections and impactful experiences, demonstrating art’s role in bridging diverse communities.

MedFest, established in 2017, continues to grow, supplementing its annual three-day event with a range of year-round activities. These include cinema clubs, workshops, special film screenings, and a monthly online master class. One of its recent initiatives is the MedFest Cinema Club, which has established clubs in six governorates: Sohag, Minya, Beni Suef, Damanhur, Mansoura, and Port Said. This project features a curated selection of short films followed by discussions with film and health professionals, in partnership with local NGOs and initiatives. By bridging gaps between different communities and fostering discussions on vital health issues, MedFest paves the way to a more connected and aware society through the power of film.

The festival also stands out as one of the few specialised film festivals in Egypt, reflecting a rare but crucial phenomenon in the cultural landscape. Despite their importance, specialised festivals like MedFest are not widespread. They play a vital role in delving deeply into various issues, whether cinematic or societal. By focusing on specific themes, these festivals provide a unique opportunity for in-depth exploration, enhancing understanding and addressing important cultural and social topics.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 19 September, 2024 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly