Egypt’s first appearance at the AFM was in 2019, when Media Production City (EMPC) participated as the official one-stop shop for issuing filming permits for foreign productions in Egypt. Since then, EMPC has maintained a consistent presence in the market.
Hani Abu El-Hassan, International Cooperation Adviser to the Chairman of EMPC, recalled: "We began our participation in 2019 with a small table and a few promotional materials. We relied on research, direct outreach, and scheduled meetings with major production houses in Hollywood. By studying global markets and emerging trends, and through close coordination with all ministries and state institutions in Egypt, we were able to apply the highest international standards. Today, Egypt is recognized among the top filming destinations by leading production consultants in the United States."
He explained that this year’s pavilion reflects major progress due to the growing number of high-profile foreign productions that have recently filmed in Egypt—projects now widely known to the Hollywood community.
"In the early years, our presence was limited to catalogues and promotional videos, without any major foreign works to demonstrate our capabilities. This year we are showcasing concrete examples of successful international productions filmed in Egypt and the benefits they generated.”
He added that the 2025 participation marks a new partnership with several distinguished Egyptian production companies renowned for their professional execution of foreign projects.
"The Egypt Film Commission at EMPC provides filming permits and all state-level facilitation in coordination with ministries and authorities, while top Egyptian companies collaborate directly with foreign producers under EMPC’s supervision. The goal is to integrate all efforts and present Egypt’s full production capacity to attract more international projects."
Abu El-Hassan noted that the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum just days before the market created further momentum.
"Many international producers expressed admiration for the opening and for the museum’s universal cultural significance. Many inquired about filming opportunities inside the museum and at the Pyramids, as well as the incentives available for major film productions at these iconic sites."
The American Film Market is one of the world’s leading platforms for film financing, distribution, and production. This year’s edition brought together thousands of participants from more than 70 countries. Egypt’s presence sent a clear message: the country is a dynamic, cost-effective, and culturally rich filming destination ready to host large-scale international productions. The Egypt Film Commission highlighted the continued development of the Egyptian film sector—from diverse filming locations and strong local talent to competitive incentives and expanding infrastructure.
Egypt’s participation forms part of a broader national strategy to strengthen the creative economy, expand global cultural exchange, and attract foreign investment into the media and creative industries. The Film Commission also presented recent updates in policies and procedures, including streamlined permit processes, greater support for foreign production crews, and a commitment to building long-term creative partnerships.
The strong presence of the Egypt Film Commission at AFM 2025 reaffirms the country’s rising status as a promising global filmmaking hub—one ready to serve as a reliable creative partner and a competitive production environment for storytelling on an international scale.
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