The Luxor African Film Festival (LAFF) has announced the film selections and jury members for its 14th edition, set to take place from January 9 to 15, 2025. Founded in 2012 by screenwriter Sayed Fouad, filmmaker Azza El-Husseini, and the Independent Young Artists Foundation, LAFF has become a key cultural event connecting African filmmakers and audiences. The festival aims to strengthen Egypt’s cultural ties across Africa.
During a press conference, LAFF’s honourary president, Mahmoud Hemeida, highlighted the significance of the number 14, symbolizing the festival’s growth and experience. Fouad explained that this year’s festival theme is inspired by the Arabic month’s 14th night, celebrated for its full moon, and the festival’s poster was designed by renowned Egyptian artist Mohamed Abla. Additionally, El-Husseini introduced the LAFF Forum, which will focus on “The Future of African Film Festivals in the Digital Era,” covering topics like digital marketing and film production in the digital age.
The 14th edition of the festival will pay tribute to the late Egyptian film star Nour El-Sherif and honor other influential African figures, including Moroccan actor Tayeb Saddiki, Egyptian writer Atef Beshai, Mauritanian filmmaker Med Hondo, and Senegalese director Safi Faye. The festival will also honor five distinguished individuals from African cinema: Egyptian actor Khaled El-Nabawy, Senegalese filmmaker Moussa Sene Absa, Ghanaian actress Akosua Busia, Tunisian actor Ahmed Hafiane, and Egyptian filmmaker Magdy Ahmed Aly.
The festival will feature competitions in various categories, including long and short films, diaspora films, and student films. Jury members include renowned filmmakers and industry professionals from across Africa. In addition to film screenings, LAFF will host workshops and educational sessions led by industry experts, focusing on topics like acting, screenwriting, film criticism, and mobile filmmaking. The festival will run from January 9 to 15, 2025, and remains Egypt’s premier event for celebrating African cinema.