The list includes one feature narrative film participating in the International Competition, 19 B, and four shorts competing in the Short Film Competition; My Girlfriend, Mama, From the Work of the Devil, and The Interview, in addition to one feature documentary, Far from the Nile, to be featured in the opening of the Horizons of Arab Cinema programme.

While Kawthar Younis’ My Girlfriend will have its MENA premiere after its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, the five other Egyptian films will have their world premiere during the CIFF, as confirmed by festival director Amir Ramses

“Egyptian cinema is witnessing an awakening that is reflected in its strong presence at the festival with different feature narratives, shorts, and documentaries, which should make us all proud,” Ramses stated.

The CIFF is one of the longest running film festivals in the Arab world and Africa and the only festival in the region to be accredited as an A festival by the International Federation of Film Producers.

Details about the six films have been announced by the CIFF as follows:

My Girlfriend

17 Minutes
Directed by Kawthar Younis
Synopsis: Desperate for intimacy, Ali follows his girlfriend’s suggestion, which puts their relationship to the test. The plan unfolds unexpectedly when gender roles become blurred. The film stars Marc Haggar and Elham Safieddine.

Mama

20 Minutes
Directed by Naji Ismail
Starring Mai El Gheity
Synopsis: A 21-year-old girl is hiding a terrifying secret to protect herself and her brother.

From the Work of the Devil

21 Minutes
Directed by Dessil Mekhtigian
Synopsis: After 10 years, a young woman returns to Cairo to organise an exhibition on the pioneer Armenian photographers who archived Egypt through time. During preparations, the surroundings make her realise the reason behind her return.

The Interview

15 Minutes
Directed by Hind Metwally
Starring Sarrah Abdelrahman
Synopsis: Nadia has to choose between looking after her suicidally depressed mother and attending a job interview which could change her life and provide for her family.

Far from the Nile

99 Minutes
Directed by Sherif El Katsha
Synopsis: Twelve musicians from seven countries along the River Nile speaking different languages and playing different musical styles struggle to collaborate on their four-month tour in the United States.

19B

Directed by Ahmad Abdalla
Starring Sayed Ragab, Ahmed Khaled Saleh, Nahed El-Sebai, and Fadwa Abed
Read more about 19B here.