In a landmark achievement for Egyptian cinema, the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) has been awarded Best Pavilion at the prestigious Marché du Film (Cannes Film Market), triumphing over 150 participating countries — including major cinematic powerhouses such as the United States, China, and France.
The recognition was announced during the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, currently underway in the French Riviera, where the Egyptian pavilion stood out as a dynamic cultural and cinematic hub, seamlessly blending heritage, modernity, and global engagement.
A Symbol of Egypt’s Cinematic Renaissance
In an official statement, Egypt’s Minister of Culture, Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hano, congratulated veteran actor Hussein Fahmy, President of CIFF, for this historic honor. The minister emphasized that the award reflects Egypt’s rising status as a cinematic destination and its commitment to showcasing its rich cultural tapestry and diverse filming locations to an international audience.
A Unified Egyptian Showcase
The winning pavilion was the product of an unprecedented alliance among three key entities: CIFF, the Gouna Film Festival, and the Egyptian Film Commission (EFC). Together, they created a unified national presence designed to reflect the strength, history, and future of Egyptian filmmaking.
Hussein Fahmy described the accolade as a “global acknowledgment of Egyptian cinema’s place in today’s world.”
Cultural Diplomacy in Action
The Egyptian pavilion became a standout feature of the film market, hosting a packed program of panel discussions, networking receptions, and industry dialogues. These included roundtables on Arab cinema’s evolving landscape, co-production strategies, and initiatives for cross-cultural collaboration — all of which drew the attention of leading global producers, directors, and festival curators.
Notably, the pavilion attracted considerable interest due to Egypt’s recent success in attracting international productions. Thanks to efforts by the EFC, over 60 global film and television projects have been shot in Egypt in recent years, boosting its profile as an emerging global filming destination.
A Historic Festival with Modern Vision
The Cairo International Film Festival, established in 1976, is the oldest and most respected film festival in the Arab world and Africa, and one of only 15 festivals worldwide accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF).
In contrast, the Cannes Film Market, founded in 1959, is the world’s largest film market and the beating heart of global film business — a place where distribution deals, international co-productions, and cross-border partnerships are forged.
Elevating Egypt’s Creative Economy
This award signals more than just recognition for a well-designed pavilion; it reflects Egypt’s resurgence as a creative and production powerhouse in the global cinematic landscape. It also aligns with broader government and industry strategies to position Egypt as a regional leader in media, culture, and the creative economy.
As the spotlight turns to new voices and emerging markets in global cinema, Egypt — with its storied past and ambitious future — appears more ready than ever to reclaim its role as a central player in the international film narrative.