The Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF), presided over by the esteemed artist Hussein Fahmy, has announced the signing of a strategic partnership agreement with Co-Production Salon — the leading community of producers, platforms, and media investors in the MENA region.
Aiming to establish a collaborative platform to support regional and international co-production projects, this initiative seeks to expand the regional producers’ network to include Egypt, creating new opportunities for cross-regional and international collaboration. Its activities will take place at the Cairo Opera House and Sofitel Downtown Nile Cairo Hotel alongside the festival’s 46th edition, which will run from November 12th to the 21st.
The collaboration also represents a strategic expansion for Co-Production Salon into the Egyptian market — one of the most dynamic and influential in the region — following four successful editions in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and France. This pioneering initiative is the first of its kind in the region, designed to strengthen the ecosystem of production partnerships and foster deeper collaboration between creative talents and institutions across the film and media industries.
During the festival, Co-Production Salon will host a physical dedicated lounge introducing participants to its digital platform, which combines market analysis, community engagement, and professional matchmaking opportunities. The salon will also participate in the festival’s professional industry programme — Cairo Film Connection — which features speed pitching sessions aiming to connect filmmakers with potential financiers and co-production partners.
Eager to kick off a new phase of Arab-Global cinematic collaboration, President of the CIFF Hussein Fahmy stated, “We are delighted to launch this partnership with Co-Production Salon — a new step in our ongoing efforts to connect Egyptian and regional cinema with their peers across the globe.”
“We believe the future of filmmaking lies in collaboration and co-production, and this initiative offers a truly interactive platform that enhances and fosters communication among producers, investors, and creators from around the world, broadening the horizons of Arab cinema on the global stage and further entrenching it in the international zeitgeist.”
From her side, Founder of Co-Production Salon Heba Korayem said, “We are delighted to partner with the CIFF and introduce our proven collaboration model to Egypt’s dynamic film industry. This partnership represents a milestone in fostering cross-regional co-productions, granting filmmakers unparalleled access to our network of over 200 media professionals and a strong history of facilitating more than 500 profoundly and effectively proved partnerships over the past two years.”
The collaboration is set to evolve over the coming years as part of a long-term vision to empower both Egyptian and regional production communities by expanding cross-border co-production opportunities. Filmmakers will be able to present their projects to potential partners across various markets and engage with a network that brings together some of the most influential players in MENA’s content production landscape.
About the CIFF
Founded in 1976, the Cairo International Film Festival is considered one of the most prestigious and longstanding film festivals in the Arab World and Africa, and the only one in the region classified as a Category A Festival by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations in Paris.
Held annually under the esteemed patronage of Egypt’s Ministry of Culture, the festival aims to support the film industry, foster intercultural dialogue, and highlight both Arab and international cinematic creativity, while celebrating and honouring leading artists from around the world.
About Co-Production Salon
Established in 2021 and based in the UAE, Co-Production Salon is the largest community of producers, platforms, and media investors in the MENA region. It includes more than 200 media professionals and has facilitated over $15m worth of content deals over the past two years.
The salon aims to boost investment in regional production through innovative and sustainable partnership models. Its members include leading production companies such as Cedars Art Production, Different Productions, Rise Studios, Eagle Films, Al Manasa (Iraq), and 1001, among others — many of whom have already confirmed their participation in this year’s CIFF.
Participation in Co-Production Salon events is by invitation only based on selective criteria that prioritise commercially driven projects with clear return on investment potential. This approach ensures that participating filmmakers present market-ready projects to prospective partners and investors.
