Today, Wednesday, November 19, as part of the Gala screenings at the 46th Cairo International Film Festival, the film The Damselfly directed by Paul Andrew Williams will have its Middle East and North Africa premiere within the International Competition. The screening is scheduled for 6:00 PM on the Grand Theatre stage at the Cairo Opera House.
The film, a 98-minute narrative feature from the United Kingdom, tells a deeply moving human story about friendship, responsibility, and the search for meaning in life. The Damselfly centers on an unexpected relationship between two neighbors, Colin and Elsie—a relationship not always accepted by those around them. When Colin notices the neglect Elsie, an elderly neighbor, suffers from her caregivers, he takes it upon himself to care for her. Through this demanding task, Colin discovers a new meaning and purpose in life. As his relationship with Elsie grows and deepens, others begin to doubt Colin’s motives, leading to a series of shocking events that drive the film into a dramatic exploration of how our societies see and treat the elderly.
Director Paul Andrew Williams, born in 1973 in Portsmouth, England, is a prominent figure in contemporary British cinema. He is known for several acclaimed films, including London to Brighton (2006), The Cottage (2008), and Song for Marion (2012). In The Damselfly, he continues to leave his unique mark by blending profound human stories with impactful realistic drama.
About Cairo International Film Festival
The 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). Founded in 1976 and held annually under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture, the festival combines artistic and professional dimensions, making it a principal platform for intercultural dialogue and enhancing the international presence of Arab cinema.
