The Film Society in Cairo kicked off the 46th edition of its annual festival on Saturday at the Artistic Creativity Centre of the Cairo Opera House, where eight Egyptian feature films are being screened during its week-long run, competing for the best of 2019 awards.
Egyptian filmmaker Mahmoud Abdel-Samea speaks during the opening ceremony of the 46th annual festival of the Film Society in Cairo, which he leads, at the Cairo Opera House, Saturday 25 January 2020
With the presence of a large number of filmmakers, critics, and members of the film industry and media professionals, including culture ministry advisor Khaled Abdel-Jalil, director Omar Abdel-Aziz, and chairman of the Art Syndicates Union director Mossad Fouda, the festival started with a speech by its president, director of cinematography Mahmoud Abdel-Samea.
arge number of filmmakers, critics, and members of the film industry and media professionals attended the 46th annual festival of the Film Society in Cairo, which he leads, at the Cairo Opera House, Saturday 25 January 2020
After the opening ceremony, the opening film “The Guest” was screened, followed by a discussion with its director Hadi Al-Bagouri, led by critic Rami Al-Metwally.
Egyptian renowned director Hadi Al-Bagouri (C) speaks during a discussion held after the screening of “The Guest” amid the Film Society event's Opening, Saturday 25 January 2020
Many iconic names of Egyptian cinema will be honoured during the festival, including actors Ali Al-Kassar and Tewfik El-Dekn, scriptwriter Abo El-Seoud El-Ebiary and director Mamdouh Shoukry, in addition to some contemporary filmmakers like director Daoud Abdel-Sayed, scriptwriter Wahid Hamed, musician Mounir Al-Wassimi, actor Lotfi Labib, art director Nihad Bahgat and critic Salah Hashim.
Abdel-Samea expressed gratitude to the attendees and the jury, led by critic Kamal Ramzi and comprising directors Hani Lasheen and Mohamed Abu Seif, interior designer Fawzi Al-Awamari, DOP professor Mohamed Asr, editing professor Rahma Montaser, and critics Magda Murice, Ola Al-Shafei, Osama Abdel Fattah and Mohammed Al-Ruby.
The 64th edition is dedicated to late critic Youssef Sherif Rizkallah, who led the Film Society and the festival between 1980 and 1998. Samiha Ayoub was announced as the honorary guest of the festival but did not attend the opening due to shooting abroad.
The full programme of the festival is as follows:
Saturday 25 January:
Opening Ceremony
Screening of "The Guest"
Directed by Hadi El-Bagoury, followed by a discussion led by critic Rami Al-Metwally
Sunday 26 January:
Screening of "The Secret Men’s Club"
Directed by Khaled El-Halafawy
Followed by a discussion led by critic Ahmed Saad Eldin
Monday 27 January:
Screening of “The Passage”
Directed by Sherif Arafa, followed by a discussion led by critic Khaled Mahmoud
Tuesday 28 January:
Screening of "Blue Elephant"
Directed by Marwan Hamed, followed by a discussion led by Ezzat Elbanna
Wednesday 29 January:
Screening of "The Treasure 2"
Directed by Sherif Arafa, followed by a discussion led by critic Mohammed Sayed Abdul-Rahim
Thursday 30 January:
Screening of "Rizk's Sons 2"
Directed by Tarek Al Eryan, followed by a discussion led by Sayed Mahmoud
Friday 31 January:
Screening of "Scarecrow"
Directed by Khaled Marei, followed by a discussion led by critic Mohamed Abdel-Rahman
Saturday 1 February:
Screening of "When We're Born"
Directed by Tamer Ezzat, followed by a discussion led by critic Mohamed Nabil.
Saturday 8 February
The Closing Ceremony will be held at Mohamed Farid Cinema in City Center, where prizes and awards will be announced.
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