The management of the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) announced that the 43rd edition will run between 1 and 10 December 2021.

The closing ceremony taking place on 9 December will precede the announcement of prize-winning films on 10 December, the management clarified.

In a press release, CIFF President Mohamed Hefzy stated that “The festival’s programming team and management are thrilled by the challenge that this upcoming edition offers, and we are eager to present a diverse and rich lineup of films and a selection worthy of the festival’s audience that has come to expect more in terms of quality and surprises year after year. During the last three years we did strive to realise our fullest ambitions and utmost success in our offering of programming, and in the various support platforms offered to professionals by the Cairo Industry Days, including the Cairo Film Connection which last year offered prizes valued at nearly $250,000 to 15 very different quality projects.

"Despite the challenges of COVID-19,” continued Hefzy, “the CIFF found a way to adapt and survive, acting as a lifeline for films and filmmakers that have been affected and challenged by the pandemic, including such threats as disrupted productions, and the closure of theatres throughout much of the world. Very few festivals managed to hold a physical edition, and we are proud to say that Cairo was one of them, setting the bar for an even more successful physical edition this year.”

According to the press release, the 42nd edition witnessed the participation of 95 films from more than 40 countries, including 20 international premieres and 10 new Egyptian films for the first time in the festival’s modern history. The festival’s ticket sales reached EGP 30,000.

This success was achieved despite the fact that social distancing was applied and the capacity was reduced by 50 percent, while hosting nearly 200 foreign guests, many of whom led or participated in online panels, workshops, masterclasses, and Q&A’s.

The CIFF remains the oldest annual international film festival in Africa and the Middle East. It is one of 15 film festivals worldwide accorded an "A" status by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations.

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