Egypt’s eighth annual Aswan International Women’s Film Festival was held from April 20 to 25. This year’s focus was on women’s resilience amidst Egypt’s economic crisis and the ongoing war in Gaza. Hamada Elrasam, a Cairo-based photojournalist, took pictures around the festival in Aswan, Egypt’s southernmost city and a gateway to the country’s ancient history. Elle Kurancid provided captions for the photos.
During the festival, 76 cinematic works were presented, with a spotlight on films from Tunisia, Palestine, and Sudan. The festival showcased films from over 36 countries. Nahed El Sebai, an Egyptian actress and AIWFF juror expressed her pride in being part of the jury and her passion for embracing diverse cultures.
Palestinian filmmaker and AIWFF juror Rashid Masharawi said, “We want to create artistic and cultural projects that will endure for years to come and go beyond mere news reports.” Masharawi’s talk “Resistance Cinema” included a video message from Gazan filmmaker Reema Mahmoud, one of the 22 besieged Gazan storytellers who are part of “Ground Zero,” Masharawi’s new funding initiative.
Hassan Abu Al-Ela, the AIWFF’s director, said the festival faced significant challenges due to Egypt’s financial crisis. Some international guests expressed concerns about coming to Aswan because of the recent Gaza war. However, the festival attracted a diverse audience, with films from all over the world.
Egyptian Minister of Social Solidarity Nevine el-Kabbaj spoke at the festival about meeting with local female entrepreneurs to discuss their main issues, from early marriage to poverty. The festival also included a Nile boat tour for visiting filmmakers to showcase Aswan as an inspiring filming location for cinematic and documentary projects.
Aswan is home to diverse stories, including those of Sudanese civilians who have fled the war in their country. Yehia, a juice maker who escaped war-ravaged Khartoum, said, “I love Aswan; it feels like home.” During a visit to the Philae temple complex, the festival’s participants also learned about ancient Egyptian history and the country’s current challenges, such as daily nationwide power cuts.
