Under the patronage of the Egyptian Culture Ministry, Cairo unveils its first-ever Papyrus Flash Cinema Festival kicked off May 1st, 2024, at the Tchaikovsky Theater within the Russian Cultural Center. Held during the period from May 1st to 7th, 2024, the festival paid tribute to the revered late director Atef El Tayeb. Chaired by renowned writer Abdel Rahim Kamal, the week-long event promises a dazzling showcase of international and local cinematic brilliance.
The opening ceremony boasted a special homage to the acclaimed actress Sawsan Badr. Meanwhile, the closing night will be graced by the presence of the beloved Lebleba. The festival boasts a prestigious jury led by president Magdi Ahmed Ali. The jury panel panel featuring musician Khaled Hammad, actor Mohamed Fahim, photographer Samir Farag, and the acclaimed Syrian artist, Firas Naanaa.
The event welcomes participation from 16 countries, featuring dedicated days to Russian cinema on May 3rd, British contributions on May 4th. The event’s proceedings will witness today a special showcase from Egypt’s National Cinema Center. Aspiring filmmakers get their moment in the spotlight with student films from the Cinema Institute screening on May 5th. The festival extends a special welcome to Palestine as the guest of honor, with dedicated events planned for May 6th.
The Papyrus Flash Cinema Festival will honor Egyptian figures like Ashraf Musilhy, Ahmed Samy Al Adl, andNahed Farid Shawqi. The festival also recognizes media figure Salma El Shamaa, cinematographer, Father Boutros Daniel, Palestinian director Fayeq Jaradeh, and Russian orientalist Vladimir Belyakov.
Azza Abou El Yazeed, the festival’s founder and general director, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Murad Gatin, Director of the Russian Cultural Centers in Egypt, and Sherif Gad, Director of Cultural Activities, for their unwavering support in hosting the festival’s significant ceremonies at the Russian House.
