Cairo Film Festival opens with focus on Palestinian cinema

The 45th edition of the Cairo International Film Festival, which is currently underway from November 13-22, 2024, has unveiled its full lineup, featuring 194 films from 72 countries around the world. The festival opened with the world premiere of the Palestinian film Passing Dreams, directed and written by Rashid Masharawi, and starring Ashraf Barhom, Adel Abu Ayyash, and Emilia Massou.

Egyptian actor Ahmed Ezz (left) receives a honor award from Egyptian Minister of Culture Ahmed Fouad Hano (center), and President of the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) Hussein Fahmi during the opening ceremony of the 45th Cairo International Film Festival in Cairo.

Egyptian actor Ahmed Ezz talks before receiving a honor award.

Egyptian film director Yousry Nasrallah (left) receives a honor award for life achievement from Egyptian Minister of Culture Ahmed Fouad Hano (center) and President of the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) Hussein Fahmi (right).

Palestinian dancers perform on stage during the opening ceremony.

Egyptian actor and president of the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) Hussein Fahmy talks on stage.

Egyptian actress Safia Al-Emari

Egyptian actress Nabila Ebeid

Egyptian actress Sawsan Badr

Egypt's veteran actress and comedian Lebleba

Egyptian actor Taha Desouki poses on the red carpet with a Palestinian keffiyeh on his suit.

This year’s edition includes a variety of competitive categories, including awards for the International Competition, Horizons of Arab Cinema, Best Feature Films from Africa and Asia, and Best Documentary Film. A special competition for films from Gaza and an award for Palestinian cinema are also part of the festival’s offerings.