Egypt’s landmark presence at Cannes returns for its second year, uniting institutional and industry partners under a shared commitment to Egyptian and Arab cinema on the world stage.
Following its Best Pavilion Design Award win last year, the Egyptian Pavilion is proud to announce its return to the Marché du Film in Cannes from 12 to 23 May 2026. Situated prominently on the Pantiero, overlooking the old port, the Pavilion will once again serve as Egypt’s strategic hub at the world’s foremost film market, bringing together filmmakers and industry professionals from across the globe.
The Pavilion is supported by its three institutional founding partners, Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF), Egypt Film Commission (EFC), and El Gouna Film Festival (GFF). This year, the Egyptian Pavilion significantly expands its reach by welcoming a robust contingent of industry partners, including Drosos Foundation, Film Clinic, Film Square, Focus Film Rentals, and Red Star Films. This strategic expansion marks a first for the revived Pavilion, reflecting the surging appetite within Egypt’s production community to engage with international markets.
Over ten days, the Egyptian Pavilion will host a dynamic programme of panels, roundtables, networking events, and receptions, designed to navigate the questions and challenges that define Egyptian and Arab cinema today.
Key themes include Egypt as a production destination, financing and co-production, distribution and the international circulation of Arab films, the state of film criticism in the Arab world and beyond, the restoration and exhibition of Egyptian cinematic heritage, and spotlighting the new generation of Arab filmmakers. Beyond being a mere platform, the programme emphasises dedicated moments of connection, affirming the Pavilion’s role as a genuine “home away from home” for its community.
The Egyptian Pavilion is once again designed by Shereen Farghal, whose vision for the space, grounded in Egyptian identity and a warm sense of welcome, earned the Pavilion the Marché du Film Pavilion Design Award in 2025 during its inaugural year.
The Egyptian Pavilion at the Marché du Film exists to do more than establish a physical presence at Cannes. In its second year, the Pavilion deepens its commitment: to be a space where the Egyptian film industry speaks, listens, and connects — and where the world comes to meet it.
ABOUT THE PARTNERS
Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) is one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in the Arab world and Africa. Founded in 1976, it has grown to become a major platform for world cinema, bringing together filmmakers, actors, and film professionals from across the globe. The festival is officially recognized by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF) as one of only 15 competitive festivals worldwide. Over its four decades of existence, CIFF has screened thousands of films from over 100 countries and has hosted some of the world’s greatest cinema legends, cementing Cairo’s status as a global cinema hub.
Egypt Film Commission (EFC), a subsidiary of the Egyptian Media Production City (EMPC), serves as the official authority responsible for issuing all permits and script approvals for international productions filming in Egypt. Acting as a one-stop shop, EFC oversees the entire filming process, including script approvals, shooting permits, coordination with relevant authorities, customs clearance for equipment, and the provision of security support. Additionally, EFC offers up to 30% cashback for productions filming within EMPC premises.
El Gouna Film Festival (GFF)
Located on the Red Sea, El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) serves as a leading cultural event in the Middle East and North Africa, positioned at the intersection of world-class cinema, global dialogue, and social impact. Guided by the mandate of “Cinema for Humanity,” GFF bridges the gap between regional voices and the global industry — turning untold stories into catalysts for empathy, dialogue, and social change, happening from October 15-23, 2026.
