The Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF), scheduled for 19-28 November, has started accepting submissions for its 42nd edition.
The festival’s management will be guided by the Egyptian government and the World Health Organization (WHO) on the necessary health and safety protocols for guests and participants.
The modified festival comes following a successful 2019 edition, as Minister of Culture Enas Abdel-Dayem confirmed the renewed presidency of Mohamed Hefzy. Film critic Ahmed Shawky has also been appointed as the new artistic director of the festival, succeeding veteran film critic Youssef Cherif Rizkallah who passed away last year.
Hefzy said, “The coronavirus pandemic has imposed a considerable challenge to the international film industry. Nevertheless, CIFF’s management is committed to holding a successful and safe edition if the situation allows while emphasising on the safety and well-being of its staff as well as local and international guests.”
Shawky added “The task of maintaining the success of the last two editions will be not be easy especially in the unprecedented challenges facing the film industry due to the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic.”
This year’s edition of the festival will apply the Gender Parity Pledge 5050×2020, committing to promoting gender equality and transparency in film-related events. The CIFF will become the first Arab festival, and second African festival, to join this commitment launched during the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.
During the 2019 edition, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) awarded the festival with the Oscar qualifying film festival status. This year the Best Short Film in the ‘Cinema of Tomorrow’ competition will be eligible to compete in the Animated and Live Action Short Film category of the Academy Awards.
