The Egyptian Pavilion officially opened today at the Marché du Film of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, in the presence of representatives from partner organizations, filmmakers, producers, media professionals, and international guests, continuing its role as a platform connecting Egyptian and Arab cinema with the global film community.
The Egyptian Pavilion is a joint initiative between Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF), Egyptian Film Commission (EFC), and El Gouna Film Festival (GFF), with the aim of strengthening the presence of Egyptian and Arab cinema on the international stage and creating opportunities for dialogue, collaboration, and co-production.
The opening was attended by Cairo International Film Festival team: the great actor Hussein Fahmy, President of Cairo International Film Festival; Mohamed Tarek, Artistic Director of the festival; Mohamed Sayed Abdel Rahim, Director of Cairo Industry Days; Mohamed Nabil, Director of Horizons of Arab Cinema; Marwa Abou Eish and Yasmina El Kamali, Programmers; Carlotta Luiz, Assistant Artistic Director; and Aisha Abdel Wahab, Marketing Director of the festival.
Attending from El Gouna Film Festival team were Eng. Samih Sawiris, Founder of El Gouna and Chairman of El Gouna Film Festival; Amr Mansi, Co-Founder and Executive Director of El Gouna Film Festival; Andrew Mohsen, Artistic Director of El Gouna Film Festival; Ahmed Shawky, Head of CineGouna for Film Production Support; and Hayat Aljowaily, Head of CineGouna for Emerging Talents.
From Egypt Film Commission, attendees included Mr. Ahmed Badawy, Head of Egypt Film Commission; Dr. Hany Aboul Hassan, Advisor to the Chairman of the Egyptian Media Production City for International Cooperation; and Reham El Ghazaly, Marketing Director of the Commission.
This was alongside Eng. Sherine Farghal, Designer of the Egyptian Pavilion, representatives of partner and supporting entities of the pavilion, and several Arab and international cinematic and media figures.
Throughout the Marché du Film, the Egyptian Pavilion will serve as a daily meeting point for filmmakers and industry professionals, hosting a diverse program of panels, industry events, meetings, and networking activities featuring experts and institutions from the region and around the world.
About the Cairo International Film Festival
The Cairo International Film Festival is held annually under the auspices of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture and is classified as one of the oldest cinematic events in the Arab world and Africa. It stands out as the only festival in the region registered in Category (A) by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF). The festival represents a major platform for supporting and evaluating the international film industry, providing a vital space for the convergence of cultures and the exchange of cinematic expertise.
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
