As the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF, 13-22 November) gears up for its 45th round, a sense of renewal and resilience permeates the air. Under the leadership of Hussein Fahmi, the festival’s president, and the dedicated efforts of festival director Essam Zakaria, CIFF is poised to overcome past challenges and elevate its status as a pivotal cultural event in the Arab world.

Fahmi speaks of the festival’s rebirth with enthusiasm: “Cairo is being reborn. Our financial situation is very strong, with a stable budget, and we are committed to supporting the local industry through Egyptian sponsors.” This year’s festival arrives with a deep sense of solidarity, particularly with the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples. Fahmi asserts, “it is our right to highlight our issues to the world through this festival,” emphasising the festival’s role as a platform for raising awareness of pressing issues.

The path to this round of CIFF has not been without hurdles. Reflecting on the challenges faced due to last year’s postponement, Fahmi acknowledges, “this year has been filled with challenges, especially after the circumstances that affected the region last year, which forced us to delay the festival.” The logistical complexities were formidable, as the festival team worked tirelessly to rearrange travel and accommodation for guests. “We had to rearrange everything in a short timeframe, apologise to juries, and explain our situation to the International Federation of Film Producers Associations, the FIAPF.”

The need to start anew was tangible. The festival had to rebuild jury panels and select new films, as some previously chosen works had already screened elsewhere. Fahmi highlights their efforts to restore confidence in the festival: “We worked hard to restore everyone’s confidence in the festival, and we managed to convince other international festivals to understand our position. Our goal is to deliver an exceptional edition this year.”

In a climate where financial difficulties are a global concern, Fahmi remains optimistic about CIFF’s unique position. “The financial difficulties are a challenge faced by all festivals worldwide,” he acknowledges. “However, we operate under a dual system that combines both public and private sectors, which allows us to thrive.” His confidence in this year’s financial state is underscored by significant support from Egyptian companies, further solidifying the festival’s foundations.

Addressing the festival’s commitment to the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples, Fahmi articulates a clear vision for this year’s programming: “This year’s festival will feature numerous events about this cause. The extermination of the Palestinian people is unacceptable under any circumstances.” His emphasis on raising awareness of their struggles highlights the festival’s role as a voice for the voiceless. “Our decision to postpone the last edition was a form of support for the Palestinian cause, and our return seeks to amplify its voice.”

The importance of teamwork in overcoming challenges is not lost on Fahmi. “Cairo is a world-class festival that must maintain its international standing. It’s crucial that our management team should share a clear vision without conflicting perspectives,” he stresses. “The synergy among team members has greatly enhanced our efforts for a successful festival,” he adds, highlighting the collaborative spirit driving this year’s edition.

As the festival unfolds, Fahmi is particularly enthusiastic about the robust film programme, which prominently features Palestinian cinema. “We have a strong film programme, but I want to stress our significant focus on the Palestinian cause through Palestinian cinema,” he affirms. Fahmi recognises the power of storytelling: “Every film reflects a story about the suffering of its people.” This year, the festival aims to provide a platform for artists from Palestine and Lebanon, celebrating their artistry while conveying powerful messages about their experiences.

Reflecting on his commitment to nurturing young filmmakers and students, Fahmi recalls his own journey: “I once attended the festival as a student, and I’ve always made sure that discounted tickets are available to film students.” This year, he expresses enthusiasm for increased support for filmmakers and the revival of the Cairo International Film Market: “Bringing back this market is crucial to our festival’s vibrancy and reflects ongoing developments in the industry.”

In a bold move to engage a wider audience, Fahmi has announced plans to extend screenings beyond central Cairo. “We have extended our screenings to new residential areas, which is vital as Cairo expands,” he states, emphasising the importance of reaching diverse demographics. This strategy aims to ensure that the festival resonates with audiences who may not have easy access to traditional venues.

Additionally, heightened interest from the local and international press is a promising sign for CIFF’s global image. “There is significant enthusiasm from journalists across the Arab world, as well as the international media,” Fahmi observes, optimistic about the festival’s potential for enhanced visibility.

Reflecting on the festival’s revival after last year’s hiatus, he describes it as “a healthy pause that allows us to gather our thoughts and regain our cohesion.” Fahmi sees this comeback as a powerful resurgence, hoping that CIFF regains its rightful place on the global stage. He encourages audiences to attend, experience the programme, engage with guests, and contribute to the festival’s success: “I hope to surpass the previous edition’s attendance of 45,000 viewers,” he concludes.

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As the festival takes shape, the leadership of Essam Zakaria shines through in its innovative programming. Under his guidance, CIFF is embracing urgent global humanitarian issues while maintaining its artistic integrity. Zakaria stresses the importance of adapting the festival’s programming to address pressing humanitarian themes. “Our programme includes high-quality films that highlight important issues,” he affirms, reflecting the festival’s mission of illuminating often-overlooked stories.

By prioritising diversity and quality, the programming team aims to ensure that a wide range of voices are represented, encapsulating the complexity and richness of contemporary narratives. Recognising the need to engage audiences from all corners of Cairo, Zakaria advocates for expanding CIFF’s reach beyond traditional downtown venues. “Cairo is not just downtown,” he asserts, emphasising the festival’s commitment to opening up the festival programmes to a wider and more diverse audience with whom it might resonate.

A collaborative work environment is integral to Zakaria’s vision for the festival’s success. “Ongoing discussions and sharing information are the hallmarks we strive for,” he emphasises, highlighting the importance of teamwork in enhancing the festival’s effectiveness and creativity. This approach fosters a culture of collaboration that empowers the team to navigate challenges with resilience.

As CIFF prepares to showcase its films, it is clear that the festival is evolving into a vital platform for dialogue and cultural exchange. Zakaria’s dedication to artistic integrity and audience engagement positions CIFF not merely as a cinematic event but as an important cultural milestone. The festival aims to reaffirm its global significance while navigating challenges with renewed purpose.

In addition to its traditional film offerings, CIFF is placing significant emphasis on co-production – a crucial aspect of modern filmmaking. Zakaria is particularly interested in fostering partnerships that enhance the production landscape within Egypt and beyond. The festival will feature initiatives promoting the shooting of foreign films in Egypt, bringing valuable resources and attention to local talent.

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The Cairo Industry Programme, spearheaded by Mohamed Sayed Abdel-Rehim, aligns with this vision, focusing on three main levels to enhance and develop Arab cinema. Abdel-Rehim highlights the importance of benefiting from the experiences of successful filmmakers, stating, “we strive to pass these experiences onto the new generations through workshops and masterclasses.” This dedication to nurturing talent reflects a commitment to building a sustainable future for Arab cinema.

Abdel-Rehim’s second strategy revolves around spotlighting filmmakers who have produced notable works and have a promising future. “It is important for the audience to engage with the works of these creators, as their films embody their aspirations and creativity,” he notes, emphasising the need for interaction to foster a vibrant cinematic environment.

The third level of his strategy concentrates on supporting new filmmakers, providing opportunities for promising talents to enter the film industry. “We are keen to organise specialised workshops in areas such as screenwriting and production, as well as professional acting workshops targeting experienced actors,” he adds. These initiatives aim to cultivate a new generation of filmmakers capable of contributing effectively to the industry.

Abdel-Rehim also emphasises the significance of inclusivity within the Cairo Industry Programme. “It has always  been keen to bring in prominent figures from Europe and America for cultural exchange and fruitful interaction,” he states, highlighting the programme’s openness to global cinema. This year, the initiative expands its horizons to include collaborations with African and Asian filmmakers, reflecting a commitment to broadening the festival’s reach.

The Cairo Industry Programme aims to create opportunities for genuine exchanges of services and products within the film industry. Abdel-Rehim acknowledges the vital role of the Cairo Film market which returns after many years in facilitating these interactions. “This is the place where filmmakers, producers, distributors and more meet, interact and build future partnerships,” he explains.

Abdel-Rehim firmly believes that an effective market is essential for the festival’s success: “There is currently no festival in the world that can succeed without a market that brings together companies and institutions.”

* A version of this article appears in print in the 7 November, 2024 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly.