Hussein Fahmy Confirmed as President of Cairo International Film Festival

Hussein Fahmy will continue his tenure as the president of the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF), as confirmed by the Egyptian Ministry of Culture. The decision follows a period of public speculation regarding the leadership of the festival, which the Minister of Culture addressed through the publication Okaz.

The confirmation of Fahmy’s continued leadership comes as the festival prepares for its 47th edition. The Minister of Culture has held discussions with Fahmy to outline the strategic plan and vision for the upcoming session, ensuring the festival maintains its standing as a premier cinematic event in the region.

Leadership Continuity and Strategic Planning

The Ministry of Culture’s decision to retain Hussein Fahmy aims to provide stability and continuity for the event. Reports from Al-Ahram and El-Watan indicate that the Minister and Fahmy have specifically focused on the strategy for the 47th session, emphasizing the festival’s evolution and its role in the broader cultural landscape.

This leadership extension follows Fahmy’s previous work during the 46th Cairo International Film Festival, which took place from November 12 to November 21, 2025. During that session, Fahmy introduced the Restored Egyptian Classics initiative, unveiling 12 digitally restored Egyptian masterpieces to preserve the nation’s cinematic heritage.

Context of the Cairo International Film Festival

The Cairo International Film Festival holds a unique position in the global film circuit. This proves the only festival in the Arab and African region registered in Category A by the International Federation of Film Producers’ Associations (FIAPF), marking it as one of the oldest and most consistent festivals in its geographic area.

Hussein Fahmy first assumed the presidency of the festival for the 44th session in 2022, succeeding producer and scriptwriter Mohamed Hefzy. Fahmy’s appointment was originally issued by then-Culture Minister Enas Abdel-Dayem.

Since taking the helm, Fahmy has frequently spoken about the intersection of technology and art. He has noted that the digital revolution is profoundly transforming the language of cinema, a perspective that informed the digital restoration projects launched during the 46th edition.

Industry Reactions and Appointments

The confirmation of Fahmy’s role settles a debate among industry figures regarding the festival’s direction. While the Ministry has affirmed its confidence in Fahmy, other voices in the industry have weighed in on the qualifications of potential leaders. Tarek El-Shennawy, for instance, publicly stated that actor Khaled Nabawy was not qualified to lead the festival.

The administration of the festival, under Fahmy’s leadership, has also maintained strong ties with the Ministry of Culture. On February 11, 2026, the CIFF administration and staff extended congratulations to H.E. Dr. Gihane Zaki on her appointment as Minister of Culture, while expressing gratitude to Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hanno.

With the strategy for the 47th edition now being discussed, the festival is expected to build upon the momentum of its previous sessions, balancing the preservation of classic cinema with the integration of modern digital advancements.