The Cairo International Film Festival, running from 11 to 20 November, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. In addition to the annual showcase of feature films, the festival’s industry arm – Cairo Industry Days – is expanding its reach to offer longer‑term support for filmmakers.
Mohamed Sayed Abdel‑Rehim, who heads Cairo Industry Days, said the initiative is designed to grow gradually. “My vision is not to start very big,” he told Variety. “Every year, we introduce a new …” The statement hinted at a series of fresh programmes aimed at mentoring talent and providing year‑round resources beyond the festival’s weekend schedule.
While the festival itself remains the flagship event for the Egyptian film community, the industry arm’s new focus on sustained mentorship reflects a broader trend in regional film markets to nurture local talent over a longer period. By extending support beyond the festival dates, Cairo Industry Days hopes to create a more continuous pipeline for emerging filmmakers.
Details on the specific mentorship models, partnership structures or funding mechanisms have not yet been disclosed. Nevertheless, the initiative signals a commitment from the festival’s leadership to invest in the future of Egyptian cinema, ensuring that the 50‑year legacy continues to inspire and develop new voices.
<small>Source: Variety — read the original story there.</small>
