Cairo International Film Festival exchanged copies of a memorandum of understanding to deepen cooperation in the field of cinema between the festival and China Media Group (CMG), on the sidelines of the major celebration held by China Media Group in Cairo on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Egypt and China.
Cairo International Film Festival was represented in the MoU exchange by critic Mohamed Sayed Abdel Rahim, Director of Cairo Industry Days, while China Media Group was represented by Cai Jun, Director of the General Office of China Media Group. This occurred during the celebration attended by over a hundred prominent leaders and figures in the political, economic, cultural, media, and artistic fields from Egypt and China.
The MoU comes within the framework of both parties’ keenness to deepen cooperation and exchange in the field of cinema, enhance understanding and friendship between the Egyptian and Chinese peoples, and support bilateral relations between the two countries in the cultural and artistic fields.
The MoU stipulates the continuation of cooperation between Cairo International Film Festival and China Media Group, and working to create appropriate conditions for regular cinematic exchange, in addition to nominating films, filmmakers, and professionals to participate in the festivals and events of both sides.
The celebration also witnessed the launch of the « Real China » event in Egypt, an initiative to screen and promote Chinese films. Critic Mohamed Sayed Abdel Rahim, representing Cairo International Film Festival, participated in the launch of the event alongside Egyptian actors Omar Sherif and Sherif Sobhy, in a scene that reflected the joint nature of cinematic cooperation between Egypt and China.
« Real China » comes within the framework of expanding familiarity between the Egyptian audience and Chinese cinema by making a selection of Chinese films available to the public in Egypt. This opens an avenue to explore different experiences and trends in the Chinese film industry and supports cultural and cinematic exchange between the two countries.
Areas of cooperation also include organizing training programs and exchanging expertise for workers in the cinema and television sectors, as well as exchanging information on the latest developments in cinema and television technology. This allows professionals in both countries to benefit from different expertise and experiences, enhancing communication between filmmakers.
The memorandum also encourages organizing cinematic screenings and the participation of Egyptian and Chinese film industry companies and institutions in events organized by each party. It further encourages the implementation of joint projects in cinematic and television production, provided that the details of each project are agreed upon independently between the two sides.
The celebration also witnessed the launch of a special screening of the film « The Story I Found in China », a documentary produced by CGTN, affiliated with China Media Group. Renowned artist Hussein Fahmi, President of Cairo International Film Festival, acts as the presenter and observer during his journey in China.
Through Fahmi’s journey, the film monitors a number of human stories and experiences of ordinary Chinese figures. He meets nine people from different backgrounds, getting to know multiple aspects of Chinese life and society through them. CGTN presented the work as a journey to discover China through people, their stories, and their daily experiences, announcing during the celebration that the film will be broadcast on Egyptian television.
The film comes in the context of the growing cooperation between China Media Group and Cairo International Film Festival, which has witnessed a number of meetings and initiatives aimed at expanding the partnership between the two sides this year. Renowned artist Hussein Fahmi held a working session last April with Fan Yun, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of China Media Group and Editor-in-Chief of CGTN, to discuss establishing a media partnership that provides extensive international coverage for Cairo International Film Festival events across the Chinese network’s platforms and screens, as well as facilitating the mission of Chinese media delegations and correspondents during the 47th edition of the festival.
April also witnessed Hussein Fahmi’s participation in the « 2026 Yangtze River Delta Film Culture Carnival » in Ningbo, China. Shen Haixiong, President of China Media Group, honored him in a move reflecting the development of relations between Cairo International Film Festival and Chinese cinematic and media institutions. This was preceded and followed by discussions on developing opportunities for cultural exchange, co-production, and opening new markets for Egyptian and Arab cinema in Asia.
*About Cairo International Film Festival*
Cairo International Film Festival is one of the most prestigious festivals in the Arab world and Africa, and one of the international festivals accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF). Founded in 1976, it is held annually under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture. In every edition, the festival ensures combining artistic quality with a professional dimension, making it a pivotal platform for enhancing the international presence of Arab cinema.
*About China Media Group*
China Media Group (CMG) was established in 2018. It is the largest state media institution in China and owns a vast network of television and radio channels, as well as digital platforms that provide content in multiple languages. It plays a major role in presenting China’s image to the global audience and enhancing media and cultural exchange with international institutions. The group also works on developing media and cinematic cooperation with institutions from various countries around the world, including Egypt, within the framework of the growing relations between the two countries
