Cameras flashed, crowds cheered, and celebrities posed for an incomparable night of allure. It’s November again, and with it comes one of the world’s most celebrated film festivals. The opening ceremony of Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) took place yesterday, Sunday November 13, at Cairo Opera House in Zamalek. The star-studded event had celebrities and influencers from all over the world in attendance: a reminder of the cultural significance this highly-esteemed festival holds.
Veteran actor Hussein Fahmy is helming this year’s edition, which is scheduled to run between Sunday, November 13 and Tuesday, November 22. The opening ceremony was quite the spectacle, kicking off with industry leaders and influential celebrities on the red carpet in breathtaking outfits. The ceremony then moved to Cairo Opera House’s Grand Theatre, where a short film about the life of the late artist Samir Sabry was screened in honor of his career. Fahmy, who was a dear friend of Sabry, took the chance and spoke a few words about him.
Next on the docket was the announcing of the winner of the “Faten Hamama Excellence Award.” Actress Nelly Karim, in a stunning red dress, took to the stage and presented the prestigious award to director Kamla Abu Zekry, in honor of her work in both film and television.
CIFF’s director Amir Ramses then ascended the stage and then, along with Fahmy, honored the great Hungarian director Bela Tarr with a shield in celebration of his long-lived career.
Fahmy then spoke a few words about Egyptian icon Lebleba, handing her the “Golden Pyramid Award for Lifetime Achievement,” in appreciation of a long, prosperous career.
The 44th edition of Cairo International Film Festival is offering quite the cinematic ensemble with films from six continents and dozens of countries. Films such as: “19 B” by Ahmad Abdalla, “Alam” by Firas Khoury, “The Astronaut” by Nicolas Giraud, “Bread and Salt” by Damian Kocur, “Butterfly Vision” by Maksym Nakonechnvi, and “Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman” by Pierre Földes, are but a few of the many premieres scheduled to screen in CIFF.
ALL SHOTS TAKEN BY RAWAN EZZAT
