A New Collaboration Between the Cairo International Film Festival, FIPRESCI, and Durban Film Mart to Empower Young Critics

The Egyptian Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival witnessed the announcement of a new collaboration bringing together the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF), the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI), and the Durban FilmMart (DFM), during the Federation’s annual reception.

Under this collaboration, FIPRESCI will select one of the standout participants in the Durban Talent Press program to receive an award presented by CIFF. This award includes an invitation to attend the festival, cover its events, and write for its English-language daily bulletin.

The ceremony began with a speech by critic Ahmed Shawky, President of FIPRESCI, who thanked the Egyptian Pavilion for hosting the reception for the second consecutive year. He also emphasized the importance of such an event serving as a meeting point for all film critics amidst the world’s largest cinematic event.

Following this, the esteemed actor Hussein Fahmi, President of CIFF, delivered a speech expressing his pride in having an Egyptian critic head this prestigious federation. He reviewed the history of their cooperation, particularly highlighting the previous edition which hosted the Federation’s centenary celebration. This collaboration resulted in the publication of a book featuring the top 25 Egyptian films over the past 25 years, alongside a special tribute to the Hungarian director Ildikó Enyedi.

Critic Mohamed Tarek, Artistic Director of CIFF, then presented the details of the new initiative during the ceremony. For her part, Magdalene Reddy, Director of the Durban FilmMart Institute, described this collaboration as a significant step in supporting film criticism and empowering young critics across the African continent.

About the Partners

About the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF)
The Cairo International Film Festival is one of the oldest internationally accredited film festivals in Africa, the Arab world, and the Middle East. It is one of only 15 festivals globally to hold Category “A” status from the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF). The festival is held annually in Cairo during November, screening around 150 films from across the globe across nine sections, with the most prominent competing for the Golden Pyramid and Silver Pyramid awards.

About the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI)
The International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) is an association of national organizations of professional film critics and film journalists from around the world. Founded in June 1925 in Brussels, it currently has members in over 80 countries. The Federation aims to promote and develop film culture, safeguard the professional interests of critics, and present its awards at major international film festivals.

About the Durban Talents Program and the Durban FilmMart Institute
The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) has managed the Durban Talents program since 2019 in partnership with the Berlin International Film Festival as part of the Berlinale Talents international network. The program supports emerging African filmmakers and critics and includes a “Talent Press” section dedicated to mentoring young critics on the continent and developing their critical tools.