The Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) announced on Thursday the selection of the project « Ayin Hara », directed by Iraqi filmmaker Yasir Kareem, to represent the festival at the prestigious Fantastic 7 initiative. Held annually as part of the Cannes Film Festival, Fantastic 7 is a collaboration between the Cannes Marché du Film and the Sitges Film Festival, renowned for championing genre cinema.
Fantastic 7 is a globally respected initiative that highlights the future of genre cinema—fantasy, horror, and science fiction—by showcasing seven promising film projects nominated by seven major international film festivals.
« Ayin Hara » was previously selected to participate in CIFF’s Cairo Film Connection during the festival’s 45th edition in 2024. Set in the hauntingly beautiful marshes of southern Iraq, the film blends myth and reality through a narrative rooted in fear, resistance, and the struggle of a young woman against rigid traditions in a conservative society.
On this occasion, renowned actor Hussein Fahmy, President of the Cairo International Film Festival, expressed his pride in the festival’s participation in such a significant global initiative. He said: « We are proud to be among the select festivals given the opportunity to nominate a project for Fantastic 7. We believe Ayin Hara brings a unique cinematic voice and a distinct Arab vision that deserves international recognition and support. »
Through this announcement, CIFF reaffirms its commitment to championing bold and emerging cinematic voices—particularly those reshaping Arab imagination and pushing it toward new creative horizons.
The Cairo Film Connection is a vital platform for supporting the film industry across the Arab world and Africa. It takes place as part of Cairo Industry Days, a key segment of the Cairo International Film Festival. The initiative connects filmmakers from the Arab region with producers, distributors, and international funding bodies by showcasing film projects in development or post-production to a jury of global industry experts and decision-makers. Over the years, the Cairo Film Connection has become a launchpad for numerous acclaimed films that have gone on to achieve international festival success.
The Cairo International Film Festival is one of the oldest and most esteemed film festivals in the Arab world and Africa. It holds an « A-Category » status from the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF), placing it among the world’s top-tier festivals. CIFF offers a rich program each year, including regional and international premieres, alongside a robust industry segment featuring workshops, seminars, and forums designed to support emerging filmmakers.
The festival’s 46th edition will take place from November 12 to 21, 2025, and will welcome a distinguished lineup of film professionals from around the globe.
