Filmmakers, artists, and cinema enthusiasts came together from around the world to participate in the festival's 45th edition, which was postponed from 2023 due to the Israeli war on Gaza — as an expression of solidarity with Palestine.

Many of the opening ceremony's attendees came to the hall dressed in black in solidarity with the suffering of both the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples.

Egyptian actor Hussein Fahmy, the festival's president, opened the ceremony with an emotional tribute to the Palestinian cause.

The Palestinian flag adorned the stage, and a traditional dance by dancers from Gaza set the tone for a night of solidarity and remembrance.

Moreover, this year, the CIFF will give a special Palestinian Film Award to the best production from the country. 

Three other titles will be screened in the Spotlight on Palestinian Cinema segment, alongside screenings of From Ground Zero, a collection of short films that are part of Rashid Masharawi's documentary project created in response to the events following the 7 October 2023 operations.

The opening ceremony began with the screening of Passing Dreams, a road movie directed by Palestinian filmmaker Rashid Masharawi, marking the film's world premiere.

Then came Fahmy's speech underscoring the significance of this year’s edition, which he described as a symbol of perseverance in the face of hardships.

"Art is present in times of hardship and crisis," he said.

"Cinema has the power to narrate our stories with realism, and we will not forget those who suffer," he continued, highlighting the role of cinema in authentically telling humanity's stories.

Egyptian Minister of Culture Ahmed Hanno also underscored the festival’s history as a beacon of cultural exchange and artistic excellence.

Hanno expressed his pride in the festival’s role as a platform that brought the voices of filmmakers from across the globe to Cairo.

Furthermore, the opening ceremony highlighted the festival's dedication to preserving cinema’s legacy, with Fahmy announcing a special initiative this year, restoring classic Egyptian films.

Several iconic Egyptian films from the 1960s and 1970s will be showcased during the festival. They will be returned to the big screen decades after their original release to allow younger generations to remember their country's rich heritage. 

During the ceremony, a number of figures from Egyptian and international cinema were honoured. 

Bosnian filmmaker Danis Tanović received the CIFF's honourary awards, while Egyptian filmmaker Yossry Nasrallah received the prestigious Golden Pyramid Award and Egyptian actor Ahmed Ezz the Faten Hamama Excellence Award.

The festival also honoured several notable figures from the Egyptian film industry, paying tribute to those who passed away in 2024, including actors Nahed Farid Shawky, Salah El-Saadany, Mostafa Fahmy, and Hassan Youssef, as well as screenwriters Essam El-Shamaa and Atef Beshai. 

As the festival continues until 22 November, its rich programming will showcase 190 films from 72 countries, including many international premieres, all representing a wide range of genres and themes reflecting global cinema's richness.

It will also feature multiple competitions, including the International Competition, Short Films Competition, Critics' Week, and the Horizons of Arab Cinema, with films from both established and emerging filmmakers.

Additionally, the Cairo Industry Days, which returns in its sixth edition, will provide workshops, panels, and networking opportunities for industry professionals.

The festival not only celebrates the past but also serves as a window into the future of cinema.