Cairo – November 11, 2026
Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF), presided over by renowned actor Hussein Fahmy, opens its 47th edition today, Wednesday, with a ceremony at the Cairo Opera House. Bringing together leading Egyptian, Arab and international film stars and filmmakers, public figures, and representatives of cultural and artistic institutions, the opening night marks five decades of the festival’s history while ushering in a new chapter in a journey that began in 1976.
The opening ceremony will feature a screening of the American film I Play Rocky, directed by two-time Academy Award winner Peter Farrelly, as part of the Official Selection – Out of Competition. The film revisits the story behind the creation of the iconic Rocky Balboa character and Sylvester Stallone’s determination to bring it to the screen. Its selection carries particular significance, as 1976 marked both the release of the original Rocky and the birth of Cairo International Film Festival, bringing these two cinematic journeys together once again, fifty years later.
This year’s edition builds on a legacy that began on August 16, 1976, when the festival was launched through an initiative by the Egyptian Association of Film Writers and Critics, headed by prominent writer and journalist Kamal El-Mallakh. Over the past five decades, CIFF has grown into one of the region’s leading cinematic gatherings, bringing together filmmakers and creative talents from around the world while supporting Egyptian and Arab cinema and strengthening their presence on the international stage.
The 47th edition presents 145 films from 64 countries, offering a diverse programme of contemporary Egyptian, Arab and international cinema. The selection encompasses fiction features, documentaries and short films, alongside special screenings and restored cinematic classics. This diversity reflects the festival’s commitment to showcasing a broad spectrum of artistic experiences and fostering dialogue across cultures and cinematic perspectives.
On the industry front, Cairo Industry Days, headed by film critic Mohamed Sayed Abdel Rahim, will run from November 12 to 19, offering an extensive programme of masterclasses, conversations, panel discussions and workshops. The activities also include Cairo Film Connection, Cairo Film Market, the Next Generation Competition, and the inaugural From Book to Screen initiative. Bringing together Egyptian and international filmmakers and industry experts, these programmes aim to nurture emerging talent, advance film projects and create new opportunities for professional collaboration.
Screenings will continue through November 20 across several cinemas and cultural venues in Cairo, including the Cairo Opera House, Zamalek Cinema, Ewart Memorial Hall at the American University in Cairo, Zawya Cinema, Tahrir Cinema, and VOX Cinemas at Mall of Egypt and City Centre Almaza. These venues will provide audiences with multiple opportunities to explore the festival’s diverse selection and engage with its activities.
As its 47th edition gets underway, Cairo International Film Festival continues to celebrate cinematic creativity, discover emerging voices and strengthen connections between filmmakers and audiences. Building on fifty years of stories, artistic encounters and shared experiences, the festival reaffirms Cairo’s enduring place on the international cinematic map.
About Cairo International Film Festival
Founded in 1976, Cairo International Film Festival is held annually under the auspices of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture and is widely regarded as one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in the Arab world and Africa. It is officially accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF) and is the only festival in the Arab world and Africa to hold accreditation in the category of international competitive film festivals.
CIFF serves as an important platform for presenting contemporary cinematic works from around the world, supporting filmmakers and emerging talent, and fostering cultural and artistic dialogue between film professionals and audiences. The festival also plays a significant role in developing the film industry through its dedicated programmes, professional gatherings and industry initiatives.
