Hussein Fahmy, President of Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF), and film critic Mohamed Tarek, the Festival’s Artistic Director, inaugurated the second edition of the New Wave Program, held as part of the Festival’s 47th edition in partnership with the Drosos Foundation and with the support of the British Council.
The opening event was attended by Mai Abou El-Soud, representing the Drosos Foundation; Cathy Costain, Head of Arts at the British Council; Yomna Khattab, the program’s director; and all 100 participants, representing a new generation of emerging film talents.
The opening gathering was marked by enthusiasm and lively interaction between participants and the program’s organizers. The New Wave Program is one of Cairo International Film Festival’s key initiatives dedicated to supporting the next generation of filmmakers, providing training opportunities, and fostering professional connections for young talents from across Egypt’s governorates.
Welcoming the participants, Hussein Fahmy expressed his delight at seeing so many young people brought together by their shared passion for cinema. He emphasized that investing in emerging talent is one of the Festival’s most important responsibilities, alongside screening films and celebrating the artists behind them.
Fahmy said: “It gives me great pleasure to see 100 young men and women here today, coming from different places, each carrying a dream of finding their place in the world of cinema. Their enthusiasm gives us confidence in the generations to come. I hope this experience will mark the beginning of real projects and films that we will see at Cairo International Film Festival in the years ahead.”
He added that Cairo International Film Festival, which this year marks 50 years since its founding, places the development of emerging talent among its foremost priorities. He noted that the Festival’s value also lies in its ability to open doors for young creatives and connect them with a wide range of cinematic expertise and experiences.
The Festival President extended his gratitude to the Drosos Foundation, the British Council, and all partners and sponsors who contributed to making the program possible. He also praised Yomna Khattab and her team for their efforts in preparing this edition and their commitment to providing participants with a rewarding experience.
For his part, Mohamed Tarek, the Festival’s Artistic Director, welcomed participants to the second edition of the New Wave Program, emphasizing that the initiative reflects the Festival’s vision of broadening access to cinema and creating opportunities for young people to learn, experiment, and establish professional relationships with filmmakers from Egypt and around the world.
Tarek said: “What makes the New Wave Program particularly special is that it brings together young people from different backgrounds, experiences, and governorates, placing them at the heart of an international film festival. Here, they can watch and discuss films, meet the filmmakers behind them, and benefit from professional expertise that would otherwise be difficult to access. We want every participant to leave this experience with new ideas, valuable professional connections, and a meaningful step toward bringing their own film project to life.”
He explained that the program was designed to offer participants a comprehensive experience combining theoretical knowledge, practical training, and film viewing, while emphasizing diversity in disciplines and professional backgrounds. He also stressed the importance of ensuring that the creative and professional relationships established during the Festival continue well beyond its conclusion.
The Artistic Director also thanked the Drosos Foundation, the British Council, and the project’s sponsors for their continued support, as well as Yomna Khattab and the program team for their efforts in organizing activities, selecting participants, and developing the training curriculum.
The launch of the second edition follows an overwhelming response to the program’s open call, which attracted more than 850 applications from across Egypt. A total of 100 participants were selected according to criteria designed to promote geographic and artistic diversity and provide opportunities for talents who face challenges in accessing training and professional networks.
This year’s cohort includes 70 participants from outside Cairo, representing 23 Egyptian governorates, including Aswan, Alexandria, Beheira, Sohag, the Red Sea, Beni Suef, and Damietta, alongside 30 participants from Cairo. Women account for 55% of those selected. The program also includes five Arab participants residing in Egypt, representing Sudan, Palestine, Iraq, Yemen, and Somalia.
The program’s training component spans six days, during which participants receive specialized instruction in various aspects of filmmaking, including directing, screenwriting, cinematography, producing, and editing. The curriculum also features workshops, panel discussions, and direct encounters with Egyptian, Arab, and international film professionals.
Among the prominent professionals contributing to the sessions and workshops are Tunisian-French cinematographer Farida Marzouk, Jordanian producer Rula Nasser, Locarno Film Festival Artistic Director Giona A. Nazzaro, and Syrian filmmaker Ameer Fakher Eldin, alongside Egyptian film professionals including Mariam Abou Ouf, Bassam Mortada, Noha Adel, and Amr Moussa.
The program begins its training activities with a creative workshop led by actor Mohamed Hatem, one of the stars of Berlin, directed by Ahmed Abdallah and featured in the Festival’s 47th edition.
The New Wave Program also offers participants the opportunity to attend selected Festival screenings, engage with its artistic and industry events, and connect directly with directors, producers, actors, and industry experts. Additional opportunities include individual mentorship sessions and discussions about participants’ projects and the challenges facing young filmmakers at the beginning of their careers.
Participants traveling from outside Cairo benefit from a fully funded experience covering transportation, shared accommodation, and Festival accreditation, reflecting the program’s commitment to expanding access and reaching emerging talents across Egypt’s governorates.
The continuation of the New Wave Program for a second consecutive year reflects Cairo International Film Festival’s commitment to strengthening its role in discovering and nurturing talent and building bridges between different generations of filmmakers. Through this initiative, the Festival seeks to create new opportunities for young creatives to participate actively in the Egyptian and Arab film industries.
About Cairo International Film Festival
Cairo International Film Festival is one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in the Arab world and Africa, and a leading international platform celebrating cinematic art and industry. Established in 1976, the Festival is held under the auspices of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture and is accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF).
Its 47th edition takes place from November 11 to 20, 2026, featuring 145 films from 64 countries.
