Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF), headed by renowned actor Hussein Fahmy, is presenting an extensive programme of masterclasses and in-conversation sessions as part of its 47th edition. Organised under Cairo Industry Days, headed by film critic Mohamed Sayed Abdel Rahim, the programme will take place from November 12 to 19, 2026.
The programme will feature 16 directors, producers, actors, and film industry professionals from Egypt and around the world, offering audiences and filmmakers an opportunity to explore their professional and creative journeys and engage with their perspectives on filmmaking and its various disciplines.
The programme opens on Thursday, November 12, with a masterclass featuring Italian director Matteo Garrone, recipient of the Golden Pyramid Honorary Award for Lifetime Achievement at the festival’s 47th edition. Held at the Open-Air Theatre of the Cairo Opera House and moderated by Esi Aseeb, the session will explore Garrone’s directorial approach and distinguished filmmaking career.
This will be followed by a session with screenwriter Medhat El Adl, also a recipient of the Golden Pyramid Honorary Award for Lifetime Achievement at the festival’s 47th edition. Taking place at the same venue and moderated by film critic Nahed Salah, the discussion will explore his experience in screenwriting and the defining milestones of his creative career.
On Friday, November 13, the Open-Air Theatre of the Cairo Opera House will host a session with film producer Hisham Soliman, moderated by television presenter Engy Ali. The discussion will focus on his experience in film production and the major milestones of his professional career.
The programme continues on November 14 with a session featuring director Rami Imam, held at the Open-Air Theatre of the Cairo Opera House and moderated by film critic Mohamed Sayed Abdel Rahim, Head of Cairo Industry Days. The discussion will explore Imam’s directorial experience and key achievements throughout his filmmaking career.
This will be followed by a session with director Asif Kapadia, at the same venue, moderated by Alex Timo Bour. The discussion will examine his filmmaking experience, directorial vision, and the journey of developing a cinematic idea from its initial conception to the screen.
On November 15, the festival will host a session with film distributor Antoine Zeind, whom CIFF is honouring in recognition of his professional career spanning more than six decades. Held at the Open-Air Theatre of the Cairo Opera House and moderated by Alaa Karkouti, the session will explore Zeind’s extensive experience in film distribution and the distributor’s role in bringing films to audiences.
This will be followed by a masterclass with cinematographer Saeed Shimi, recipient of the Golden Pyramid Honorary Award for Lifetime Achievement at the festival’s 47th edition. Moderated by film critic Mahmoud Abdel Shakour at the same venue, the session will examine his remarkable career in cinematography and the artistic and technological developments that have shaped the profession over the years.
On November 16, the Open-Air Theatre of the Cairo Opera House will host a session with actor Asser Yassin, recipient of this year’s Faten Hamama Excellence Award. Moderated by film producer Mohamed Hefzy, the discussion will explore his artistic journey and career in film acting.
This will be followed by a session with Belgian director Laura Wandel, moderated by Patrice Carré at the same venue. The discussion will focus on her filmmaking experience, artistic vision, and creative choices in constructing cinematic worlds and characters.
On November 17, the festival will welcome Mauritanian director Abderrahmane Sissako, recipient of the Golden Pyramid Honorary Award for Lifetime Achievement at the festival’s 47th edition. Held at the Open-Air Theatre of the Cairo Opera House and moderated by Jorge Pereira, the session will explore his filmmaking journey and distinguished directorial career.
This will be followed by a masterclass with British sound designer Paul Davies, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM at the same venue. Moderated by Sherif Fathy, the session will explore the role of sound in filmmaking and its significance in shaping the cinematic experience and enhancing its emotional impact on audiences.
On November 18, the Sofitel Hotel will host a session with Egyptian-British director May Abdalla, moderated by Lisa Brooke. The discussion will explore her directorial experience, artistic vision, and the defining milestones of her filmmaking career.
This will be followed by a session with Spanish director Óliver Laxe, held at the Open-Air Theatre of the Cairo Opera House and moderated by film critic Mohamed Tarek, Artistic Director of Cairo International Film Festival. The discussion will examine Laxe’s creative journey, his approach to cinematic language, and his methods of filmmaking and experimentation.
The programme concludes on November 19, beginning with a session featuring Algerian director Ahmed Rachedi, at the Open-Air Theatre of the Cairo Opera House. Moderated by film critic Zein El Abedeen Khairy, Head of the CIFF Press Center, the discussion will explore Rachedi’s professional journey and extensive experience in film directing.
This will be followed by a session with director Nabil Ayouch, held at the same venue and moderated by film critic Mohamed Nabil, Head of the Horizons of Arab Cinema Competition at CIFF. The discussion will explore Ayouch’s directorial experience, filmmaking vision, and major milestones throughout his cinematic career.
The programme will conclude with a masterclass featuring Romanian cinematographer Tudor Vladimir Panduru, held at the Sofitel Hotel and moderated by Hassan Hadi. The session will explore his professional experience in cinematography and his perspectives on the artistic and technological developments shaping the field.
About Cairo Industry Days
Cairo Industry Days serves as a vital platform supporting creative professionals at various stages of filmmaking. It reflects Cairo International Film Festival’s commitment to strengthening the Arab film industry, developing the skills of its professionals, and keeping pace with global advancements in cinema.
Through specialised discussions, training programmes, and professional events, Cairo Industry Days provides opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among filmmakers and industry professionals. Its initiatives aim to nurture emerging generations of talent, enhance their professional capabilities, and foster new opportunities for cooperation across the film industry.
About Cairo International Film Festival
Cairo International Film Festival is held annually under the auspices of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture. This year marks 50 years since its inaugural edition in 1976.
Recognised as one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in the Arab world and Africa, CIFF is officially accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF). The festival continues to serve as an international platform for cultural exchange and the celebration of cinematic art.
