CAIRO, Nov 23 (NNN-MENA) – President of the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF), and famous Egyptian actor, Hussein Fahmy, praised China’s notable presence at the recently concluded 46th edition of the festival, describing Chinese films as important, longstanding, and highly regarded by Egyptian filmmakers.
“Chinese participation grows each year. This year, we have a Chinese jury member and several Chinese films in the festival. This is very important to us,” Fahmy said, in a recent interview.
At this year’s CIFF, the Chinese film, The Botanist, directed by Jing Yi, won the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema Award for Best Asian Feature Film, and the International Critics’ Week Special Mention Award. In addition, renowned Chinese director, Guan Hu, received the festival’s Lifetime Achievement Golden Pyramid Award, during Friday’s closing ceremony.
In addition to The Botanist, this year’s CIFF also featured other Chinese works. The China Global Television Network documentary, Cherished Land, was screened in the International Panorama section, and Guan Hu served on the festival’s International Competition’s Jury, before receiving CIFF’s highest honorary award.
“Chinese film is very important, and we in Egypt have been interested in it for many years,” Fahmy said, highlighting the growing cooperation in the film industry between Egypt and China.
Last year, CIFF signed a cooperation agreement with China Media Group, and this year, Fahmy strengthened ties between CIFF and the Golden Panda Awards, during his visit to Chengdu.
Fahmy said, CIFF is committed to presenting Egyptian audiences with diverse international films.
“Different cultures matter to us, especially Chinese culture, which is ancient, deeply rooted, and rich in traditions. It is important for Egyptian audiences to see these cultures,” he said.
Founded in 1976, CIFF is the Arab world’s oldest international film festival, and one of the most prestigious film events in Africa and the Middle East. The 46th edition, which ran from Nov 12 to 21, at the Cairo Opera House, featured around 150 films from around the world.– NNN-MENA
