Xi’an, China | September, 2026
Actor Hussein Fahmi, President of Cairo International Film Festival and head of the Egyptian delegation, continues his intensive presence at the events of the 13th Silk Road International Film Festival, held in Xi’an, China, from September 19 to 23, 2026. This historic participation marks the selection of Egypt as the first guest of honor country in the festival’s history, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Egypt and China.
The Egyptian participation includes a packed program of artistic and official events, combining the presentation of Egyptian cinema to the Chinese audience, participation in international dialogues on the future of the film industry, and the development of cooperation frameworks between festivals and cinematic institutions in both countries.
Hussein Fahmi participated in the festival’s opening ceremony on Saturday evening, September 19, attended by official, artistic, and cinematic figures from China and several participating countries. He also joined Chinese actor Jin Dong in presenting the films of the guest of honor country.
This presence is part of the Egyptian participation program that gives Egyptian cinema a prominent space at an international festival gathering cinematic experiences from countries historically and culturally connected to the Silk Road routes. This is reinforced by the presence of a large Egyptian artistic delegation including Dr. Ahmed Saleh, President of the National Film Center; Mr. Ezz El-Din Ghoneim, President of the Holding Company for Investment in Cinema; Director Omar Abdel Aziz, Head of the Federation of Artistic Syndicates; Producer Mohamed El Adl; Actress Salwa Mohamed Ali; Dr. Mervat Abou Oaf; Dr. Ghada Gebara; Producer Hisham Soliman; Director Abdel Hakim El Tounsy; Actor Ayman Azab; and Mr. Hisham Fahmi.
Hussein Fahmi also participated in the 2026 Outstanding Film Exchange and Promotion event, dedicated to exchanging and introducing prominent films. This falls within programs aimed at supporting communication between film festivals and expanding the scope of film circulation and artistic experiences among participating countries.
Launch of Egyptian Film Week
The festival events witnessed the launch of the Egyptian Film Week, attended by Hussein Fahmi, head of the Egyptian delegation, and several officials and guests participating in the festival. The opening celebrated the diversity of Egyptian cinema and its continuity across multiple generations and artistic experiences, featuring the screening of the film Happy Birthday by director Sarah Gohar, in her presence.
The Egyptian Film Week program includes a selection of modern and classic works, including Happy Birthday by Sarah Gohar, In Imagination We Have Love by Sarah Rezeq, The Pasha’s Daughters by Mohamed El Adl, and Spring Came Laughing by Noha Adel, alongside the classic film People and the Nile by renowned director Youssef Chahine.
The program presents examples of Egyptian cinema across different generations and experiences, allowing the Chinese audience and international guests to discover aspects of Egyptian film production and opening space for dialogue on artistic experiences and themes addressed by Egyptian cinema.
On Sunday, September 20, Hussein Fahmi participated in the Film Industry Dialogue under the Belt and Road Initiative, attended by over two hundred guests. The event was opened by Mr. Sun Daguang, member of the Standing Committee of the Party in Shaanxi and Head of the Propaganda Department.
During his speech, Fahmi discussed the development of Chinese cinema and its current prosperity and openness to the world. He confirmed the keenness of Cairo International Film Festival to continue screening Chinese films within its programs, expressing his aspiration to expand cooperation areas in co-production and exchange of expertise between filmmakers in Egypt and China.
He also invited Chinese filmmakers to participate in the upcoming edition of Cairo International Film Festival, scheduled from November 11 to 20, 2026, to enhance artistic communication between filmmakers in both countries and support opportunities for building joint projects and programs.
Signing Strategic Cooperation Between Silk Road and Cairo International Film Festivals
The Film Industry Dialogue events witnessed a signing ceremony for strategic cooperation between the Silk Road International Film Festival and Cairo International Film Festival, as part of efforts aimed at developing relations between Chinese and international film platforms and festivals.
This cooperation represents a new step towards expanding partnership horizons between both festivals, providing greater opportunities for exchanging films, expertise, and artistic programs, and supporting institutional communication between filmmakers in Egypt and China.
The signing ceremony is part of a strategic cooperation signing event between Chinese and international film festival platforms, with the participation of representatives from several international film platforms and festivals.
In the context of his official program, Hussein Fahmi met with Mr. Sun Daguang and participated in an official lunch in his presence, as part of the meetings accompanying the Egyptian participation in the festival.
These meetings allow the continuation of dialogue on cultural and cinematic relations between Egypt and China, and discussion of ways to support cooperation between institutions and festivals, aligning with the goals of the Egyptian participation as the guest of honor of the current edition.
Statement by Hussein Fahmi
Hussein Fahmi, President of Cairo International Film Festival and head of the Egyptian delegation, stated:
« I feel great happiness with the continuous and flourishing cooperation between Cairo International Film Festival and the Chinese side. The warm reception I experienced in Xi’an confirms the depth of ties between Egyptian and Chinese cinema. We are keen to turn this friendship into joint works and exchange programs serving filmmakers in both countries.
This participation gives us an important opportunity to continue the dialogue on the future of cinema and enhance communication between film festivals and institutions. I am pleased to invite our Chinese friends to Cairo next November to participate in the events of the upcoming edition of Cairo International Film Festival, and continue this cooperation that brings us together. »
About Cairo International Film Festival
Cairo International Film Festival was established in 1976 and is considered one of the oldest film festivals in the Arab world and Africa. It is the solely accredited Arab and African festival in Category « A » by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF). It is held annually under the auspices of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture. Throughout its history, the festival has consolidated its position as a major platform for Egyptian, Arab, and international cinema, combining film screenings with cultural dialogue, and supporting the development of the film industry and the discovery of new talents and project
