Today, Tuesday, November 18, as part of Cairo Industry Days during the 46th Cairo International Film Festival, a panel discussion titled « Emotionally Charged Scenes: Performance and Character Portrayal… Maintaining Credibility and Safety Together » will be held from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM at Sofitel Hotel – Obelisk 2, exclusively for badge holders.
Participants include Sundos Shubaik, Laila Bouzid, Tobias Vielheimer, and Mehdi Hamili, with the discussion moderated by Ola Salwa.
The session addresses the specific challenges posed by emotionally and psychologically intense scenes for actors, requiring full bodily and emotional awareness, along with the need for a filming environment grounded in trust, respect, and responsible professional guidance.
The panel highlights the growing role of intimacy coordinators in Arab and international cinema, and their strategies to ensure a safe environment for actors without compromising artistic integrity or diminishing the power and impact of the scenes.
Participants share practical insights on how communication and mutual trust between directors, actors, and coordinators help protect actors’ personal boundaries while enhancing the authenticity of on-screen performances, underscoring that safety and creativity can harmoniously coexist for the benefit of the art.
This event is part of a professional series aimed at developing filmmaking tools and supporting best practices that respect actors and ensure the highest artistic quality.
About Cairo Industry Days
Launched as a dedicated platform, Cairo Industry Days supports and develops the film industry in the Arab world and Africa by providing funding, training, and networking opportunities among filmmakers and international experts. It features several key programs including the Cairo Film Forum, Professionals’ Forum, and specialized workshops. It has grown to become one of the region’s most important professional events, offering genuine opportunities to foster projects and emerging talents.
About Cairo International Film Festival
Cairo International Film Festival is one of the oldest and most prestigious festivals in the Arab world and Africa, accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF). Established in 1976 and held annually under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture, it combines artistic and professional elements, serving as a primary platform for cultural dialogue and enhancing the international presence of Arab cinema.

