A festival celebrating Egyptian-African relations is set to launch on 1 March at the Cairo Opera House with a short documentary film shot in 1936 depicting Nubian life, traditions and culture.

On its opening night, visitors will also be invited to visit a Nubian market inside the gallery where handcrafts will be displayed. Minister of Culture Shaker Abdul-Hamid will lead the proceedings on Thursday under the auspices of the Prime Minister Kamal El-Ganzouri.

Expected guests include Minister of Information Ahmad Anees, Minister of State for Antiquities Mohammed Ibrahim, head of the Cairo Opera House Inas Abdel-Dayem and a number of ambassadors from African countries.

The festival, which runs until Saturday 3 March, aims to support neighbouring countries that share the Nile Basin and in particular to highlight the African roots of the Nubian heritage.

Nuba People Tie Festival will include a series of events ranging from cultural seminars, art exhibitions featuring Nubian heritage and arts books on civilisation and culture, environment and nature, as well as a number of Nubian art troupes presenting their folklore.

Nuba People Tie Festival 2012 will take place on Thursday 1 March at the Open Air Theatre at 8:00 pm

Cairo Opera House, El Gezira, Zamalek