Attending the opening were Marat Gatin, Director of the Russian Cultural Centres in Egypt, Tomislav Bošnjak Ambassador of Croatia and Sherif Gad, President of the Arab Union of Graduates of Soviet and Russian Universities. The opening was also attended by David Sadoulet, Counselor of Cultural Cooperation at the French Embassy, and Georgi Todorov, Cultural Counselor of the Embassy of Bulgaria.

##

The celebration began with the opening of the animation exhibition in Adam Henein Hall at Al-Hanager Arts Centre. The exhibition displayed works by graduates of the Faculty of Fine Arts and the Cinema Institute, who were also present.

In the ceremony, which took place on the stage of Al-Hanager Arts Centre, the forum's awards were handed out. In addition, a number of leading Egyptian artists in the field of animation were honored. The Honorees included artists such as Samy Maghawry, Islam El-Sayed, director Attia Khairy, and musician Sherif Nour.

Abdel-Wahab said that the art of animation had the ability to influence and spread aesthetic and moral values.  He also pointed out that the number of works participating in this year's session is 110, representing 29 Arab and foreign countries.

Gatin expressed his happiness for going up to the stage three times to receive awards for Russian artists. Russian director Denis Chernov won two awards for best film and best director for his film "Teddy Boom", whereas director Andrei Koplin won the second place award for the film "The Everlasting Story".

Gatin stressed that such festivals represent a strong bridge for the communication of cultures between peoples.On this occasion, Abdel-Wahab said that he was happy to see 'the spirit returning' to the Cairo International Animation Forum.

"We will soon start organizing art workshops to develop the artists' skills. Artists will get the chance to benefit from the experience of professionals in the field from Egypt and abroad," he said.