The decision to honour Iraq is part of the implementation of a memorandum of understanding signed three years ago between SITFY and the Iraqi Artists Syndicate that aimed, among other things, to highlight Iraqi talents through consecutive editions of the Egyptian festival.
Ingy El-Bastawi, the artistic director of SITFY, revealed in a press release the extensive scope of Iraqi participation.
"We also have Iraqi participation in competitions, whether in the major performances or within the monodrama competition, or the street theater performances and non-traditional theatrical spaces competition. Last year we launched several awards carrying names of Iraqi theater practitioners, director Salah Al-Qasab, and artist Sami Abdel Hamid. This year we will hold two book signings: featuring writer and critic Halim Hatif and the writer Munir Radi Al-Aboudi."
The director added that the Iraqi writer Ali Abdul-Nabi Al-Zaidi is this year's jury member of the playwright competition.
Meanwhile, Iraqi actress and visual artist Alaa Hussein will be among the jury members of the main competition.
The seventh edition of SITFY is scheduled to take place 25-30 November in Sharm El-Sheikh.
Held annually, the SITFY is the first festival of its kind to be organised in Sinai. It was launched with the aim of providing opportunities to young theatre practitioners while decentralising the artistic scene and reviving tourism in South Sinai.
The SITFY's founder and president is Mazen El-Gharabawy.
Veteran actress Samiha Ayoub is SITFY’s honorary president and actor Mohamed Sobhy is the president of SITFY’s higher committee.
The festival is held under the auspices of the Minister of Culture, Nevine Al-Kilani, and South Sinai Governor Khaled Fouda.
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