Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) has announced details of the second edition of its New Wave programme, in collaboration with DROSOS FOUNDATION and the British Council, as part of its 47th edition, taking place from 11 to 20 November 2026, as the festival marks 50 years since its inaugural edition in 1976.
The announcement was made during the festival’s press conference, held today, 11 October, at Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile.
This year, the programme received more than 850 applications from young Egyptian and Arab filmmakers residing in Egypt, from which 100 participants were selected to take part in an intensive six-day training and professional development experience during the festival. The programme aims to support emerging talent, nurture a new generation of young filmmakers, and provide participants with opportunities to gain first-hand insights into various aspects of the film industry.
Applications were submitted in response to an open call issued by the festival to film schools and educational institutions, independent workshops, cultural spaces, film students, and cinema enthusiasts across Egypt’s governorates. This approach reflects the programme’s commitment to broadening participation and creating opportunities for young talent from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
The New Wave programme targets film students, filmmakers at the beginning of their careers, and emerging professionals in the arts and media who are interested in various aspects of the film industry. It also welcomes beginners and cinema enthusiasts seeking to explore the different fields of filmmaking and pursue future careers in the industry.
The programme offers participants access to festival screenings and film market activities, alongside a series of specially designed panel discussions, workshops, and training sessions led by prominent experts and professionals from the film and arts industries. It also provides opportunities for direct engagement and knowledge exchange with filmmakers and industry professionals from Egypt and around the world, helping participants develop their skills and expand their professional networks.
The second edition of New Wave builds on Cairo International Film Festival’s ongoing efforts to discover and nurture emerging talent, further strengthening its role as a platform for education, training, and professional networking, alongside its commitment to showcasing films and celebrating diverse cinematic experiences.
Cairo International Film Festival is one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in the Arab world and Africa, and the only festival in the region to hold Category « A » status from the Paris-based International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF). Established in 1976, the festival is held annually under the auspices of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture.
